MUSCLE

[noun] - one of many tissues in the body that can tighten and relax to produce movementneck muscles [C]facial muscles [C]bulging/rippling (= large and clear to see) muscles [C]Russell pulled/strained/tore a back muscle early in the game. [C]He flexed/tensed his muscles (= tightened, esp. his arm muscles, to make them look large and strong) so that everyone could admire them. [C](figurative) This is the first sign of the new regime flexing its muscles (= showing its power). [C]These exercises build muscle and increase stamina. [U]The bacteria produce a toxin which induces convulsions and muscle spasms (= sudden uncontrollable tightening movements).These daily exercises are designed to improve muscle tone (= produce strong firm muscles).Muscle is also the power to do difficult things or to make people behave in a certain way.This magazine has considerable financial muscle and can afford to pay top journalists.The company lacks the marketing muscle to compete with drug giants.(figurative) In response to criticism, Mr. Owen insists that the commission's statement wasn't just muscle-flexing (= a show of power).A muscle-bound person is one who has very large hard muscles as a result of doing too much physical exercise.