noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
pigeon chest; pectus carinatum
Medical term for a chest deformity where the sternum and ribs protrude. Also used in everyday language.
彼は鳩胸で、子供の頃から姿勢が気になっていた。
He has pigeon chest and has been self-conscious about his posture since childhood.
noun
busty woman; woman with large breasts
Colloquial, somewhat vulgar term likening a woman's chest to a pigeon's protruding breast. Use with caution.
あの女優は鳩胸で有名だ。
That actress is famous for being busty.
noun
armor with protruding chest
Historical term for a type of iron armor with a curved, protruding chest plate.
博物館で鳩胸の鎧を見た。
I saw armor with a protruding chest at the museum.
noun
curved front of a stirrup
Specialized term for the curved front portion of a traditional Japanese stirrup (abumi).
この鐙の鳩胸の部分に装飾が施されている。
The curved front portion of this stirrup is decorated.
noun
curve at base of shamisen neck
Specialized term for the curved part at the base of a shamisen's neck where it meets the body.
三味線の鳩胸の部分が少し傷んでいる。
The curve at the base of the shamisen neck is slightly damaged.
漏斗胸 (funnel chest) is the opposite deformity where the chest is sunken, while 鳩胸 refers to a protruding chest.
Compound of 鳩 (hato, 'pigeon') and 胸 (mune, 'chest'), referring to the pigeon's characteristic protruding breast. The extended meanings are metaphorical, based on the shape.