trapezius

Unknown but likely derived from Ancient Greek τράπεζα (trápeza).

• IPA^(key): /tɹəˈpiːziəs/

trapezius (plural trapezii or trapeziuses)

1. (anatomy) A large vertebrate skeletal muscle divided into an ascending, descending, and transverse portion, attaching the neck and central spine to the outer extremity of the scapula; it functions in scapular elevation, adduction, and depression.

   The trapezius muscle resembles a trapezium (trapezoid in American English), or diamond-shaped quadrilateral. The word "spinotrapezius" refers to the human trapezius, although it is not commonly used in modern texts. In other mammals, it refers to a portion of the analogous muscle.

• (muscle): trapezius muscle

• trapezium
• trapezoid