gluteus maximus

(măk'sə-məs)
n., pl., glutei max·i·mi (măk'sə-mī').
The largest and outermost gluteus.

[New Latin glūteus maximus : glūteus, gluteus + maximus, largest.]

The very powerful, large buttock muscle, which has its origins on the pelvic girdle (posterior ilium, iliac crest, sacrum, and coccyx), passes across the hip, and has its insertion on the gluteal tuberosity of the femur and via a strong tendon on the iliotibial band. The primary actions of the gluteus maximus are extension and lateral rotation of the femur. It swings the leg powerfully backwards. The muscle works more effectively if the body is bent forward at the hip (e.g. in a crouch start of a sprint). It is usually inactive during walking.

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The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: the outermost of the three gluteal muscles

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