biceps

[bahy-seps]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

bicepses, biceps 

1. either of two flexor muscles, one biceps brachii located in the front of the upper arm and assisting in bending the arm, and the other biceps femoris located on the back of the thigh and assisting in bending the leg.

biceps

/ ˈbaɪsɛps /

noun

1. anatomy any muscle having two heads or origins, esp the muscle that flexes the forearm

biceps

1. Either of two muscles, biceps brachii of the arm or biceps femoris of the leg, each with two points of origin. The biceps of the arm bends the elbow, while the biceps of the leg helps to bend the knee as part of the hamstring.

Word History and Origins

Origin of biceps¹

1625–35; < Latin: two-headed, having two parts, equivalent to bi- bi- ¹ + -ceps (stem -cipit- ), combining form of caput head

Word History and Origins

Origin of biceps¹

C17: from Latin: having two heads, from _bi- ¹ caput head

Example Sentences

The wolf-whistles when Draper revealed his bulging biceps in a sleeveless shirt at the US Open mixed doubles last week showed the fans are aware, too.

From BBC

“You can defend your homeland and get great benefits,” Cain said, flashing his bright white smile and brown biceps.

From Los Angeles Times

When he starts his stretching exercises, you can’t miss his bulging biceps or the intense focus on his face.

From Los Angeles Times

And then there’s Ilona Maher — Olympic rugby player, nurse and proud owner of biceps that could crack a crab leg on sight.

From Salon

After weeks of workouts, Andrews told Mara to show anyone entering the weight room his biceps, prompting an obligatory flex.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• branch 
• rod 
• wing