Pronunciation: [ɡlˈuːt] (IPA) 
The word "glute" refers to the gluteus muscles, commonly known as the muscles in the buttocks. The spelling of this word can be confusing, as it is pronounced with a silent "e" at the end. The correct spelling is "glute," which is pronounced as [ɡlut]. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to clarify this pronunciation, with the "g" making the "g" sound like in "go," the "l" sounding like in "leaf," and the "u" sounding like "oo" in "boot."
Glute, short for gluteus muscle, refers to any of the three large muscles in the buttocks of humans. These muscles are collectively known as the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. They are responsible for various movements of the hip, including extension, abduction, and rotation.
The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the glute muscles. It originates from the back of the iliac crest, the sacrum, and the coccyx, and inserts into the iliotibial tract and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur. It is primarily responsible for extending the thigh, which is the backward movement of the leg from the hip joint.
The gluteus medius, located above the maximus, arises from the outer surface of the ilium and inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur. It assists in abduction and medial rotation of the thigh, as well as stabilization of the pelvis during walking or running.
The gluteus minimus is the smallest and deepest of the glute muscles. It is located beneath the medius and has a similar origin and insertion. Its main functions include abduction and medial rotation of the hip joint.
Together, these three muscles make up the gluteal region and play a significant role in overall lower body strength and stability. They are often targeted and strengthened through exercises such as squats, lunges, and hip thrusts for health, performance, and aesthetic reasons.
The word glute is a shortened form of the word gluteus, which comes from Latin. In Latin, gluteus means buttock and is derived from the Greek word gloutos, also meaning buttock.
