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gluteus maximus

gluteus maximus

2 4.8
A large muscle in the buttocks that moves the hip and thigh
  • noun
  • /ˈɡluːtiəs ˈmæksɪməs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glúteo mayor
  • "Strength Training Anatomy" explains that you can target the gluteus maximus by stepping out with a larger-than-usual step.
  • gluteus maximus muscle
  • gluteus maximus and quadricep
  • combination of gluteus maximus

Examples

  • Quadriceps and gluteus maximus muscles were stimulated in the remaining patient, where foot drop was corrected by a passive orthosis.

    Academic text (1992)
  • In contrast, applying the additional 12.3 N m of isometric hip extension moment produced by the combination of gluteus maximus and semimembranosus reduced the arm forces by 22 percent of body weight.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body and also one of the strongest.

    Blog text (25)
  • I learned to play baseball, taught by the same gym teacher who instructed us in the proper use of our gluteus maximus.

    Blog text (22)
  • The quadriceps and gluteus maximus muscles were stimulated in one patient.

    Academic text (1992)
  • So number one, we have our gluteus maximus and it tucks in before it flares out for the hamstring.

  • The data represent the support forces recorded as the gluteus maximus was turned off and then reapplied while maintaining activation of all other hip extensors.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The stimulation of the quadriceps and gluteus maximus muscles provided more stable support to the affected limb, thus enabling Patient 10 to take a longer step.

    Academic text (1992)
  • The combination of gluteus maximus and adductor magnus that generated an increase of 2.4 N x m of isometric hip extension moment resulted in a reduction of arm forces by only 2.5 percent of the subject's body weight.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The gluteus maximus is essential for running and climbing stairs.

Surface Forms

Morphology

gluteus + maximus

The term is directly compositional: 'gluteus' names the buttock muscle and 'maximus' is a superlative meaning 'largest/outermost', so the phrase literally denotes the largest gluteal muscle. Anatomical Latin naming is a regular, predictable pattern, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Gluteus maximus comes from old Latin words: gluteus meaning 'buttock' and maximus meaning 'biggest'. So, the name fits because it is the largest muscle of the buttocks and it helps move the hip and thigh.