supinator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “supinator” mean?
A muscle in the forearm that turns the palm upward or forward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A muscle in the forearm that turns the palm upward or forward.
In anatomy, a specific muscle (musculus supinator) that supinates the forearm; in broader technical contexts, any agent or device that produces supination (outward rotation).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences; standard anatomical terminology is identical in both varieties. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Purely technical/neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “supinator” in a Sentence
The supinator [verb] e.g., originates, inserts, acts, functionsDamage to the supinatorInnervation of the supinatorVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supinator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The therapist asked him to supinate his forearm.
American English
- The athlete needs to supinate his hand during the throw.
adverb
British English
- The hand was positioned supinately.
American English
- He held the tool supinately.
adjective
British English
- The supinator region was tender to the touch.
American English
- A supinator muscle strain can be quite painful.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, physiotherapy, and sports science textbooks and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context: detailed anatomical description, clinical diagnosis, surgical reports, rehabilitation protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supinator”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supinator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supinator”
- Misspelling as 'supinater' or 'suppinator'.
- Using it as a general verb (it is a noun).
- Confusing it with 'supine' (which is an adjective for lying face up).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its main action is to supinate the forearm (rotate the radius bone so the palm faces anteriorly or upward).
No, it is a highly specialized medical/anatomical term not used in everyday conversation.
It is innervated by the deep branch of the radial nerve (C5-C6).
In standard English, no. It specifically refers to the supinator muscle. In other languages, it may have broader meanings (e.g., an insole).
A muscle in the forearm that turns the palm upward or forward.
Supinator is usually technical/medical in register.
Supinator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpɪneɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpɪneɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPinator helps you hold a bowl of SOUP with your palm UP.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ROTATOR or TURNER (conceptualized as a mechanical agent causing rotation).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'supinator' primarily used?