Deltoid
/ˈdɛl.tɔɪd/noun
Shaped like the Greek letter delta; specifically, the triangular shoulder muscle.
Did you know?Deltoid comes from Greek delta, the letter shaped like a triangle, plus -oid, meaning “form” or “resembling,” so its ancient meaning is basically “delta-like.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
δέλτα (délta)
“The Greek letter delta, named for its triangular shape.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-οειδής (-oeidḗs)
“Having the form of; resembling.”
Late Latin
Latin
deltoides
“Delta-shaped; triangular.”
17th Century
English
deltoid
“Triangular; shaped like a delta.”
Modern English
English
deltoid
“Relating to or denoting the triangular shoulder muscle.”