Meaning & use
tricep
Last updated
“tricep” is a form of “triceps”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nouncountableinformal
The large muscle at the back of the upper arm that straightens the elbow.
Grammar: Informal singular of 'triceps'; in careful writing use 'triceps' for one muscle or both.
Patterns
- the tricep muscle
- work your triceps
He felt a sharp pain in his left tricep after lifting weights.
Push-ups mainly work your chest and triceps.
The trainer showed her how to stretch the tricep.
Word forms
| plural | triceps |
|---|---|
| informal plural | triceps |
Common combinations
- tricep muscle
- The tricep muscle runs along the back of the arm.
- work the triceps
- Dips are a great way to work the triceps.
- tricep stretch
- Hold the tricep stretch for thirty seconds.
- pull a tricep
- He pulled a tricep while throwing the ball.
Synonyms and how they differ
- triceps
- The standard anatomical term; use it in formal writing instead of 'tricep'.
Word family
- triceps noun
- The usual and more formal name for this muscle.
Commonly confused: tricep or bicep?
tricep vs bicep
The bicep is the muscle at the front of the upper arm that bends the elbow; the tricep is at the back and straightens it.
Practice
Which muscle straightens the elbow?
Choose one answer.
The tricep is the muscle at the back of the upper arm that straightens the elbow. The bicep bends the elbow, while the deltoid and pectoral are shoulder and chest muscles.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “tricep”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.