ˈmʌsl n. & v. --n. 1 a
fibrous tissue with the ability to
contract, producing
movement in or maintaining the
position of an
animal body. 2 the
part of an animal body
that is composed of muscles. 3
physical power or
strength. --v.intr. (usu. foll. by in) colloq. force
oneself on others;
intrude by
forceful means. ømuscle-bound with muscles
stiff and inelastic through excessive exercise or
training. muscle-man a
man with
highly developed muscles,
esp.
one employed as an intimidator.
not move a muscle be completely motionless. øømuscled adj. (usu. in comb.). muscleless adj. muscly adj. [F f. L musculus dimin. of mus
mouse,
from the fancied mouselike
form of
some muscles]