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.
Phrases and idioms:
muscle-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.
Derivatives:
muscled adj. (usu. in comb.). muscleless adj. muscly adj.
Etymology: F f. L musculus dimin. of mus mouse, from the fancied mouselike form of some muscles