prepectoral
|pre-pec-tor-al|
/priːˈpɛktərəl/
in front of the chest / before the pectoral muscles
Etymology
'prepectoral' originates from Latin elements: the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin 'prae') meaning 'before', and 'pectoral' from Latin 'pectoralis', where 'pectus' meant 'breast, chest'.
'prepectoral' was formed in modern medical English by combining the prefix 'pre-' with 'pectoral' (which came into English via Medieval/Latin 'pectoralis' and Middle English 'pectoral'), resulting in the compound used in anatomical and surgical contexts.
Initially the components meant 'before' and 'of the chest' respectively; over time the compound came to be used specifically to mean 'situated in front of the pectoral muscles' in medical usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
located in front of the pectoral muscles; situated on the anterior chest wall over the pectoralis region (used especially in medical contexts, e.g., implant placement).
The surgeon recommended a prepectoral implant to minimize disruption of the pectoralis major.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/04 18:56