Arrectary

/əˈrɛktəri/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or causing an upright or erect posture or the raising of body parts.

Etymology

From Latin 'arrectus' (raised up) with the suffix '-ary' (relating to). This medical and anatomical term referred to muscles or actions that produce elevation or erection.

Kelly Says

Anatomists used 'arrectary' to describe the muscles that make your hair stand on end (arrector pili muscles)—it's a Latin-based medical term that's still hiding in modern anatomy textbooks!

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