hamstring

English

/ˈhæmstɹɪŋ/

noun
Definitions
  • (anatomy) One of the great tendons situated in each side of the ham, or space back of the knee, and connected with the muscles of the back of the thigh.
  • (informal) The biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus muscles.

Etymology

Affix from English ham (actor of low grade, region back of the knee joint, overacting inferior performer, incompetent pugilist) + English string.

Origin

English

string

Gloss

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