soleus

noun

so·​le·​us ˈsō-lē-əs How to pronounce soleus (audio)
plural solei ˈsō-lē-ˌī How to pronounce soleus (audio)
: a broad flat muscle of the calf of the leg lying immediately beneath the gastrocnemius

Examples of soleus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Standing Calf Stretch Your gastrocnemius and soleus are the two main muscles that make up your calf muscle. — Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 30 Oct. 2025 This works because the calf muscles—especially the soleus—use a lot of glucose to function, helping pull it from the bloodstream and blunt post-meal spikes. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026 However, he has been called-up after Marseille’s Balerdi, 27, suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg. — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 11 June 2026 The hidden role of your calves The calf muscles — primarily the gastrocnemius and soleus — are essential for ankle mobility. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for soleus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin solea sandal — more at sole

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soleus was in 1676

Rhymes for soleus

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Browse Nearby Words

sole tree
soleus
sol-fa
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Cite this Entry

“Soleus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soleus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

soleus

noun
so·​le·​us ˈsō-lē-əs How to pronounce soleus (audio)
plural solei -lē-ˌī How to pronounce soleus (audio) also soleuses
: a broad flat muscle of the calf of the leg that lies deep to the gastrocnemius, arises from the back and upper part of the tibia and fibula and from a tendinous arch between them, inserts by a tendon that unites with that of the gastrocnemius to form the Achilles tendon, and acts to flex the foot
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