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Meaning & use

mesomorphic

adjective·Advancedtechnical

Last updated

UK/ˌmezəˈmɔːfɪk/
US/ˌmezəˈmɔːrfɪk/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparabletechnical

    Describing a body build that is naturally muscular and sturdy, with broad shoulders and a strong frame.

    Grammar: Typically used before a noun or after be: a mesomorphic build.

    Patterns

    • a mesomorphic build
    • be mesomorphic

    Sprinters often have a mesomorphic build with strong thighs.

    The coach said the boy was mesomorphic and would gain muscle easily.

    A mesomorphic frame helps in contact sports.

  2. adjectivenot comparablechemistryphysicstechnical

    In chemistry and physics, describing a state of matter between a solid crystal and an ordinary liquid, as in liquid crystals.

    Grammar: Used before a noun, with no degrees: a mesomorphic phase.

    Patterns

    • a mesomorphic phase

    The compound shows a mesomorphic phase when heated.

    Scientists studied the mesomorphic behavior of the material.

    Mesomorphic substances flow like liquids but keep some order.

Common combinations

mesomorphic build
Rugby players often have a mesomorphic build.
mesomorphic body type
A mesomorphic body type responds quickly to training.
mesomorphic phase
The mesomorphic phase appears at high temperature.
mesomorphic athlete
The mesomorphic athlete lifted with ease.

Synonyms and how they differ

muscular
Muscular is the everyday word and describes a visible condition rather than a build type.
athletic
Athletic suggests fitness and ability and not necessarily the naturally broad frame mesomorphic implies.
stocky
Stocky implies short and solid, while mesomorphic does not mention height.
sturdy
Sturdy means strong and well built in general terms but lacks the technical flavor.

Opposites

ectomorphicendomorphic

Word family

mesomorph noun
a person with this body type
ectomorph noun
a lean, slender body type
endomorph noun
a rounder, softer body type
mesomorphism noun
the state of having a mesomorphic build

Commonly confused: mesomorphic or metamorphic?

mesomorphic vs metamorphic

Metamorphic refers to change or transformation, as in rocks, and it has nothing to do with body type.

Practice

A coach who calls a player mesomorphic is describing a ___ build.

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