muscle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun one of the contractile organs of the body
  2. noun animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
  3. noun a bully employed as a thug or bodyguard

Etymology

From Middle English muscle, muscule, muskylle, and in part from Middle French muscle, from Latin mūsculus (“a muscle”, literally “little mouse”) because of the mouselike appearance of some muscles, from mūs (“mouse”). Doublet of mussel. More at mouse.

In classic literature

Synonyms

musculus

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