coracoid, a. and n. Anat.
(ˈkɒrəkɔɪd)
[ad. medical L. coracoīdēs, a. Gr. κορακοειδής (also κορακώδης) raven-like, f. κόραξ raven, crow: see -oid.]
A. adj.
1. Beaked like a crow. Applied to a process of bone (coracoid process), extending from the scapula or shoulder-blade toward the sternum or breastbone, which in adult man somewhat resembles in shape and size the beak of a crow; also to the bone (coracoid bone) homologous with this process, which, in birds and reptiles, extends from the scapula to the sternum, and forms the distal or ventral element of the scapular arch.
| [1706 Phillips, Coracoides, a Process of the Shoulder-blade which takes Name from its Figure resembling that of a Crow's Bill. 1721 in Bailey.] 1741 Monro Anat. (ed. 3) 245 The Base, Acromion, coracoid Process and Head of the Scapula, are all in a cartilaginous State at the Birth. 1847 Todd Cycl. Anat. III. 840/1 The coracoid bone..is only fully developed in the Reptilia and in Birds. 1872 Carpenter Anim. Phys. xii. 476 Another process, the coracoid, which only serves in Man for the attachment of certain muscles. |
2. Pertaining to, or connected with, the coracoid process.
| 1836 Todd Cycl. Anat. I. 219/1 The humerus..can act upon the scapula..depressing its coracoid angle. 1878 T. Bryant Pract. Surg. I. 479 The coracoid insertion of the pectoralis minor can also be seen. |
B. n. = coracoid process or bone: see A. 1.
| 1828 Stark Elem. Nat. Hist. I. 37 The scapula has..a point named the coracoid, for the attachment of certain muscles. 1870 Rolleston Anim. Life Introd. 47 In the Monotremata..the coracoid reaches the sternum. |