Word of the Day, May 05: ‘Muscle’

Word of the Day: MUSCLE
Pronunciation: UK/ˈmʌs.əl/ (MUSS-uhl) or US/ˈmʌs.əl/ (MUSS-uhl)

Meaning:
A band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body. Figuratively, it refers to physical power, strength, or the ability to enforce one's will.

Example for daily usage:
She certainly put some muscle into it, shifting the heavy mahogany sideboard all by herself.

The local council used its political muscle to ensure the new community centre was built ahead of schedule.

Origin and history:

The etymology of muscle is surprisingly charming, if a bit scurrilous. It derives from the Latin mūsculus, which literally means "little mouse" (mūs meaning mouse, plus the diminutive suffix -culus).

Why a rodent? Ancient anatomists thought that the rippling movement of a muscle—particularly the biceps—underneath the skin resembled a small mouse scurrying about. This visual metaphor was so compelling that it appeared in several languages; the Greek word mys similarly means both "mouse" and "muscle." Interestingly, the word is a doublet of "mussel" (the shellfish), which was also thought to look like a little mouse in its shell.

Also read | Word of the Day, April 30: ‘Gorgonize’

Cultural significance and modern usage:

In British English, muscle often extends beyond the gymnasium. We frequently speak of "muscling in" on a conversation or a business deal, implying a somewhat pushy or forced entry. In the 19th century, the term "Muscular Christianity" became a popular movement in the UK, led by figures like Charles Kingsley; it promoted the idea that a robust physical physique and a "manly" sporting life were essential companions to a strong moral and religious character. Today, if someone is described as the "muscle" of an operation, they are the enforcer—the brawn behind the brain.

Interesting facts:

1. The Invisible Lizard: Before muscle became the standard term in Middle English, another popular word for it was lacerte, from the Latin for "lizard," because some muscles were thought to look like lizards rather than mice.
2. The Busy Tongue: It is a common bit of trivia that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body; however, this is a bit of a misnomer. While it is the most flexible and never tires, the masseter (the jaw muscle) actually exerts the most force.

Examples from literature:

• "The muscle of his arm was like the iron bar of a cage." — Charles Dickens, Great Expectations.
• "The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good. Understanding is joyous." — Carl Sagan, Cosmos.
• "His steps go with 'him' in the same reality... His true reality which doesn't have desires or hopes, But muscles and the sure and impersonal way of using them." — Fernando Pessoa, The Collected Poems of Alberto Caeiro.
• "The heart is a small muscle, but it can carry a heavy load." — Traditional British Proverb, Various sources.

Synonyms:

• Brawn
• Sinew
• Might
• Clout

Antonyms:

• Frailty
• Weakness
• Impotence
• Flaccidity

Read more Word of the day here.