pectoral Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun either of two large muscles of the chest
    pectoral muscle; pectoralis; pecs; musculus pectoralis.
  2. noun an adornment worn on the chest or breast
    pectoral medallion.
  3. adjective of or relating to the chest or thorax
    thoracic.
    • pectoral organ

WordNet

Pec"to*ral adjective
Etymology
L. pectoralis, fr. pectus, -oris the breast; cf. F. pectoral.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the breast, or chest; as, the pectoral muscles.
  2. Relating to, or good for, diseases of the chest or lungs; as, a pectoral remedy.
  3. (Zoöl.) Having the breast conspicuously colored; as, the pectoral sandpiper.
Pec"to*ral noun
Etymology
L. pectorale a breastplate, neut. of pectorials.
Definitions
  1. A covering or protecting for the breast.
  2. (Eccl.) (a) A breastplate, esp. that worn by the Jewish high person. (b) A clasp or a cross worn on the breast.
  3. A medicine for diseases of the chest organs, especially the lungs.

Webster 1913