ectomorph, a human somatotype (physical type) tending toward linearity, as determined by the since discredited physique-classification system developed in the 1940s by American psychologist W.H. Sheldon. Sheldon linked ectomorphy to certain character traits, an idea that today is considered pseudoscience, unsupported by scientific evidence.

In Sheldon’s system humans were classified as to body build in terms of three extreme body types: endomorphic, or round, fat type; mesomorphic, or muscular type; and ectomorphic, or slim, linear type. A somatotype number of three digits was determined for an individual classified by the system, with the first digit referring to endomorphy, the second to mesomorphy, and the third to ectomorphy; each digit was on a scale of 1 to 7. Hence, the extreme endomorph had the somatotype 711, the extreme mesomorph 171, and the extreme ectomorph 117. The classification numbers were negatively correlated, so that a high number in one class precluded high numbers in the others; in practice, extreme types (711, 171, 117) were rare or nonexistent, and the person of normal build had a somatotype approaching 444, evenly balanced between extremes.

Although classification by the Sheldon system was not absolute, a person was classed as an ectomorph if ectomorphy predominated over endomorphy and mesomorphy in his or her body build. The extreme ectomorph had a thin face with a high forehead and a receding chin; a narrow chest and abdomen; a narrow heart; rather long, thin arms and legs; little body fat and little muscle; but a large skin surface and a large nervous system. If well fed, the ectomorph did not gain weight easily; if ectomorphs became fat, they were still considered ectomorphs, only overweight.

Britannica Quiz

Characteristics of the Human Body

Sheldon assigned various personality traits to ectomorphs, based on somatotype score. According to Sheldon’s system, ectomorphs were introverted, quiet, artistic, restrained, and self-conscious. Compare endomorph; mesomorph.