muscle
muscle Lexical Profile
muscle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body.
"Regular exercise and a protein-rich diet help to build and tone muscle."
Physical power, strength, or exerted force.
"Moving the heavy oak furniture required a considerable amount of muscle."
Power, influence, or authority, especially in a political or economic context.
"The large corporation used its financial muscle to outbid smaller local competitors."
• verb
To force one's way in an aggressive or physical manner.
"He muscled his way through the dense crowd to reach the front of the stage."
To coerce, strong-arm, or forcefully compel someone to do something.
"The notorious syndicate attempted to muscle the local shop owners into paying for protection."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with its homophone 'mussel', which refers to an edible bivalve marine mollusk, whereas 'muscle' refers to bodily tissue or physical power.
• Rhymes for muscle
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle French 'muscle', derived from Latin 'musculus' meaning 'a little mouse' (diminutive of 'mus'), because the shape and movement of some muscles under the skin were thought to resemble scurrying mice.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.