The muscle in the back part of the leg that forms the greater part of the calf

• Responsible for the plantar flexion of the foot

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. The muscle at the back of the calf, whose insertion is the Achilles tendon at the heel.

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Gastrocnemius \Gas`troc*ne"mi*us\, n. [NL., from Gr. ? the calf of the leg.] (Anat.) The muscle which makes the greater part of the calf of the leg.

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. the muscle in the back part of the leg that forms the greater part of the calf; responsible for the plantar flexion of the foot [syn: gastrocnemius muscle ]

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1670s, from Latinized form of Greek gastroknemia "calf of the leg," from gaster "belly" (see gastric ) + kneme "leg." So called for its form. Related: Gastrocnemical .