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scalene Definition

sca·lene (skā′lēn′, skā lēn′)

adjective

  1. Anat. designating or of any of three deeply set muscles extending from the first two ribs to the cervical vertebrae, and serving to bend the neck
  2. Geom.
    1. having unequal sides and angles: said of a triangle
    2. having the axis not perpendicular to the base; oblique: said of a cone, etc.

Etymology: LL scalenus < Gr skalēnos, uneven, odd < IE base *(s)kel-, to bend, crooked > OE sceolh, squinting, L coluber, serpent

scalene Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • triangle: On the other hand I could change my model into a scalene triangle.
  • muscle: Exercises to stretch the scalene muscles and related tight tissues can relief scalene muscle syndrome.