sternocleidomastoid meaning and definition

STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID noun

Definition of sternocleidomastoid (noun)

1. one of two thick muscles running from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid and occipital bone; turns head obliquely to the opposite side; when acting together they flex the neck and extend the head
   • synonyms: musculus sternocleidomastoideus, sternocleido mastoideus, sternocleidomastoid muscle