Having strong, well-developed muscles, or relating to muscles and physical strength.
From Latin 'muscularis,' derived from 'musculus' (muscle), which literally meant 'little mouse'—Romans saw a similarity between the shape of a flexed muscle and a mouse moving under the skin. The word entered English in the 16th century.
Romans thought flexed muscles looked like mice scurrying under skin, which is why 'musculus' (muscle) comes from 'mus' (mouse)—this whimsical observation is preserved in the English word 'muscular' and in anatomy terms like 'pectoral muscle' versus 'biceps muscle.'
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.