rotator cuff

noun

: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of the capsule of the shoulder joint blended with tendons and muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the head of the humerus

Examples of rotator cuff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Roberts said that Phillips is slated to undergo Tommy John surgery on June 4, ending a season that already started late due to a strained rotator cuff and lasted just seven scoreless appearances before Phillips complained of forearm discomfort. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 31 May 2025 Harry How/Getty Images Phillips began the year on the injured list after suffering a rotator cuff injury during last year's postseason that kept him off the World Series roster. Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 Pacquiao, playing through a torn rotator cuff, never had much of a chance. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025 Clarke Schmidt is expected to make his 2025 debut within the next few days after working his way back from right rotator cuff tendonitis. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rotator cuff

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotator cuff was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Rotator cuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotator%20cuff. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

rotator cuff

noun
: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of part of its capsule blended with tendons of the subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and teres minor muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the humerus

called also musculotendinous cuff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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