Meaning & use
ectomorph
Last updated
UK/ˈektəʊmɔːf/
US/ˈɛktoʊmɔrf/
Meaning
nouncountabletechnical
A person with a slim, lightly built body who finds it hard to gain weight or muscle, in an old system of body types.
Grammar: Takes an or an: she is an ectomorph.
Patterns
- be an ectomorph
As an ectomorph, he struggles to put on muscle.
Marathon runners are often described as ectomorphs.
The coach designed a different meal plan for the ectomorphs on the team.
Word forms
| plural | ectomorphs |
|---|
Common combinations
- typical ectomorph
- He is a typical ectomorph with long arms and a narrow frame.
- ectomorph body type
- The ectomorph body type is lean and light.
- training for an ectomorph
- Training for an ectomorph focuses on heavy lifting and extra calories.
- ectomorph diet
- An ectomorph diet often includes many snacks.
Synonyms and how they differ
- slim build
- It is a plain, everyday description with no theory behind it.
- beanpole
- It is an informal and slightly teasing word for a tall thin person.
- lean
- It is an adjective for low body fat and does not suggest difficulty gaining weight.
Opposites
endomorph
Word family
- ectomorphic adjective
- having the build of an ectomorph
- mesomorph noun
- a person with a muscular build
- endomorph noun
- a person with a rounder, softer build
- morph verb
- to change form
Commonly confused: ectomorph or ectoderm?
ectomorph vs ectoderm
This is the outer layer of an early embryo and is unrelated to body build.
Practice
Which person would most likely be called an ectomorph?
Choose one answer.
An ectomorph is naturally lean and light. The muscular and round builds belong to other body types.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ectomorph”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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