SportsAugust 27, 2026

deltoid

DEL-toyd

Definition

Relating to a triangular-shaped ligament, muscle, or structure, often used in medical contexts to describe the muscle covering the shoulder or, in this specific case, a ligament in the ankle.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek letter delta (Δ) because of its triangular shape, combined with the suffix -oid, meaning 'having the form or resemblance of.'

In the news

The article uses the term to specify the type of ankle sprain suffered by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, highlighting the nature of his injury.

Packers signing ex-Steelers TE Jonnu Smith

Read the full article ↗

NBC Sports

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.