noun
calf
The fleshy back part of the lower leg.
She stretches her calf after the long uphill walk.
Etymology
Old Norse kálfi named the fleshy part of the leg. English retains that anatomical sense for the muscular bulge behind the shin.
More examples
- Both calves felt sore after the race.
- A cramp tightened his calf.
- The exercise strengthened her calf muscles.
Forms
calf · calfs · calves