gastrocnemius
noun
gas·troc·ne·mi·us
ˌga-(ˌ)sträk-ˈnē-mē-əs 
-strək-
plural gastrocnemii
ˌga-(ˌ)sträk-ˈnē-mē-ˌī
-strək-
: the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg arising by two heads from the condyles of the femur and attaching to a tendon that becomes part of the Achilles tendon
Examples of gastrocnemius in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius lengthening, which lengthens the Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius muscle (the main muscle in the leg), can be done to help improve flexibility and help a child walk on flat feet.9
Summary
Toe walking is found mainly in children under the age of two.
—
Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
Most strains occur in the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles, which support strenuous physical activity.5
Calf muscle strains can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time from overuse or improper body positioning.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 2024
Gastrocnemius Stretch The gastrocnemius muscle is one of the muscles of your calf.
—Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023
Muscles stretched: gastrocnemius.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside Online, 21 July 2021
Beneath your gastrocnemius and Achilles is the second calf muscle, the soleus, which runs from the outer side of the back of your knee down to your heel.
—Angela Gargano, Lauren Del Turco, Women's Health, 15 Mar. 2023
Lying Rotary Soleus Press Watch on The soleus is a broad, flat muscle under the perky gastrocnemius that is key in walking, running, balancing and jumping.
—Dr. Rachel Tavel, Pt, Dpt, Men's Health, 16 Feb. 2023
Muscles stretched: gastrocnemius, hamstrings.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside Online, 21 July 2021
The main muscles supporting the ankle include the gastrocnemius and soleus, which are the hamstring muscles in the back of the calf, as well as the tibialis posterior (muscle on the inside the ankle) and tibialis anterior (muscle on the front of the ankle).
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 24 Jan. 2022
Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
Most strains occur in the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles, which support strenuous physical activity.5
Calf muscle strains can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time from overuse or improper body positioning.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 2024
Gastrocnemius Stretch The gastrocnemius muscle is one of the muscles of your calf.
—Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023
Muscles stretched: gastrocnemius.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside Online, 21 July 2021
Beneath your gastrocnemius and Achilles is the second calf muscle, the soleus, which runs from the outer side of the back of your knee down to your heel.
—Angela Gargano, Lauren Del Turco, Women's Health, 15 Mar. 2023
Lying Rotary Soleus Press Watch on The soleus is a broad, flat muscle under the perky gastrocnemius that is key in walking, running, balancing and jumping.
—Dr. Rachel Tavel, Pt, Dpt, Men's Health, 16 Feb. 2023
Muscles stretched: gastrocnemius, hamstrings.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside Online, 21 July 2021
The main muscles supporting the ankle include the gastrocnemius and soleus, which are the hamstring muscles in the back of the calf, as well as the tibialis posterior (muscle on the inside the ankle) and tibialis anterior (muscle on the front of the ankle).
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 24 Jan. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gastrocnemius.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Gastrocnemius.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gastrocnemius. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gastrocnemius
noun
gas·troc·ne·mi·us
ˌgas-(ˌ)träk-ˈnē-mē-əs
-trək-
plural gastrocnemii
-mē-ˌī
: the largest muscle of the calf of the leg that points the toe and flexes the leg below the knee
Medical Definition
gastrocnemius
noun
gas·troc·ne·mi·us
ˌgas-(ˌ)träk-ˈnē-mē-əs, -trək-
plural gastrocnemii
-mē-ˌī
: the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg that arises by two heads from the condyles of the femur and has its tendon of insertion incorporated as part of the Achilles tendon
called also gastrocnemius muscle
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