noun
scalene
One of a group of muscles along the side of the neck.
The therapist gently checks each scalene for tenderness and tightness.
Etymology
The Greek adjective means uneven or unequal. The neck muscles received the name from their irregular, unequal-sided shape.
More examples
- She feels an ache in her left anterior scalene.
- The diagram shows the scalenes along the side of the neck.
- The scalenes help lift the upper ribs during deep breathing.
Forms
scalene · scalenes