Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
pectoral girdle

pectoral girdle

1 7.7
The bones near the shoulders that attach the arms to the chest
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛk.tə.rəl ˈɡɜr.dl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cintura escapular
  • In fish, the pectoral girdle is crucial for fin movement.

Examples

  • The structure of the pectoral girdle varies significantly among different vertebrates.

  • Ape chests have broadened and pectoral girdles have adjusted.

    Academic text (1995)

  • Note that only Cosesaurus has a distinct pectoral girdle shared with flapping taxa (birds, bats, and pterosaurs).

    Blog text (19)

  • The pectoral girdle supports the attachment of the arms in humans.

Synonyms

shoulder girdle
vspectoral girdle
  • Specialized
1 5.7

The bones that connect the arms to the body, including collarbones and shoulder blades

is the general term applying to the same structure in all vertebrates
pectoral arch
vspectoral girdle
  • Specialized
8.6

Bones near the shoulder made of the collarbones and shoulder blades that support the arm

is the broader anatomical term used across vertebrates for forelimb attachment

Surface Forms

pectoral girdle singular
pectoral girdles plural

Morphology

pectoral + girdle

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'pectoral' (chest-related) + 'girdle' (an encircling skeletal or ringlike part): together they denote a chest-related encircling bony structure. Although anatomical and somewhat technical, the composition follows regular English patterns so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The noun pectoral girdle combines pectoral meaning 'chest' and girdle meaning 'belt'. Imagine a belt around the chest that holds the arms in place. That's why it names the bones that connect the arms, wings, or fins to the body.