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muscle definition

mus·cle (mus′əl)

noun

  1. any of the body organs consisting of bundles of cells or fibers that can be contracted and expanded to produce bodily movements
  2. the tissue making up such an organ
  3. muscular strength; brawn
  4. ☆ Informal power or influence, esp. when based on force or threats of force

Etymology: Fr < L musculus, a muscle, lit., little mouse (from the fancied resemblance between the movements of a mouse and muscle), dim. of mus, mouse

intransitive verb muscled -·cled, muscling -·cling

☆ Informal to make one's way or take control by sheer strength or force, or threats of force: usually with in

transitive verb

  1. to move (something) by, or as by, muscular exertion
  2. to influence, pressure, etc. by force or threat of force

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