How to Pronounce External Oblique
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
External Oblique Pronunciation
ek-STER-nal oh-BLEEK
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
ek
STER
stress here
nal oh
BLEEK
stress here
4 syllables
What is External Oblique?
The outermost of the three flat abdominal muscles whose fibers run diagonally downward and inward, compressing the abdominal contents and rotating the trunk to the opposite side. Together the paired muscles flex the spine.
Questions About External Oblique
How do you pronounce 'external oblique'?
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Say it like this: ek-STER-nal oh-BLEEK. The stress falls on STER in the first word and BLEEK in the second word, so you say them a bit louder and longer than the other syllables.
What does 'external' mean in 'external oblique'?
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External means 'on the outside.' The external oblique is the outermost layer of the three flat abdominal muscles, so it's the one closest to your skin.
What does 'oblique' mean?
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Oblique means 'diagonal' or 'slanting.' This muscle is called oblique because its fibers run diagonally across your abdomen rather than straight up and down.
How many syllables does 'external oblique' have?
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External has three syllables: ex-TER-nal. Oblique has two syllables: o-BLEEK. Together, the full term has five syllables.
What is a common mispronunciation of 'oblique'?
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Many people say oh-BLEAK or oh-BLIKE, but the correct pronunciation is oh-BLEEK, rhyming with 'sleek.' Remember the 'ee' sound at the end, not an 'ak' sound.
What are the word roots of 'external oblique'?
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External comes from the Latin word 'externus,' meaning 'outside.' Oblique comes from the Latin 'obliquus,' meaning 'slanting' or 'sideways.' Together, they describe a muscle on the outside that runs at an angle.
What other medical words use the root 'oblique'?
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Internal oblique is the muscle layer underneath the external oblique. Obliquus is the scientific name for oblique muscles. You'll also hear the term 'oblique fracture,' which means a break running at an angle rather than straight across.
How would you use 'external oblique' in a simple sentence?
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You might hear it in anatomy class like this: 'The external oblique muscle helps you twist your torso from side to side.' It's simply naming which muscle is being talked about.