ˈməskyələ(r) adjective
Etymology: muscul- + -ar
1.
a. : constituting or consisting of muscle
muscular fiber
muscular tissue
b. : of, relating to, or performed by the muscles
muscular sense
muscular energy
muscular activity
2. : affecting the muscles
muscular fatigue
muscular atrophy
3. : characterized by good musculature : sinewy
a muscular young man
the swordfish is very muscular and a very rapid swimmer — S.W.Tinker
4.
a. : of or relating to physical strength : having actual or potential power : brawny , mighty
muscular rivers of the Rockies — J.H.Bradley
white yawls, muscular with sail — George Loveridge
b. : of or relating to strength of expression or character : vigorous , forceful
capable of writing intensely muscular dramatic prose — Kenneth Tynan
brings a fine resounding voice to the singing that fits the muscular music of the … fisherfolk — Oscar Brand
for all its … muscular decisiveness, it is a calm and reasoned performance — H.S.Commager
c. : expressed in physical works or healthy activity
muscular Christianity
• mus·cu·lar·ly adverb