muscle

Meanings

Plural: muscles

Noun

one of the contractile organs of the body
animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
a bully employed as a thug or bodyguard
- "the drug lord had his muscleman to protect him"
authority or power or force (especially when used in a coercive way)
- "the senators used their muscle to get the party leader to resign"
possessing muscular strength
A contractile form of tissue which animals use to effect movement.
An organ composed of muscle tissue.
A well-developed physique, in which the muscles are enlarged from exercise.
Strength, force.
Hired strongmen or bodyguards.

Verb

make one's way by force
- "He muscled his way into the office"
To use force to make progress, especially physical force.
To move forcefully or with great strength.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English muscle, muscule, muskylle, and in part from Middle French muscle, from Latin mūsculus (“a muscle”, literally “little mouse”) because of the mouselike appearance of some muscles, from mūs (“mouse”). Doublet of mussel. More at mouse.

Synonyms

brawn, brawniness, heftiness, muscleman, muscular tissue, muscularity, musculus, sinew, thew

Scrabble Score: 10

muscle is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
muscle is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
muscle is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

muscle is a valid Words With Friends word