clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈkla-vi-kəl How to pronounce clavicle (audio)
: a bone of the shoulder girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum

called also collarbone

clavicular adjective

Examples of clavicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The actor was hospitalized for blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries, including eight ribs broken in 14 places, left tibia broken, left ankle, right clavicle broken, right shoulder broken and more. Caroline Brew, Variety, 12 Feb. 2024 Adam sustained several injuries, including a broken clavicle, a pelvic bone fracture, a spinal fracture above his shoulders and bleeding in his skull, Amanda said. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 23 Jan. 2024 Renner was crushed by the seven-ton snowplow while trying to help his nephew free the actor’s car, breaking eight ribs, his right knee, ankle, clavicle and shoulder, and his left tibia and ankle. Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Washington Post, 26 Dec. 2023 His injuries included eight ribs broken in 14 places, right knee and ankle broken, left leg tibia broken, left ankle broken, right clavicle broken, right shoulder broken and more. Zack Sharf, Variety, 7 Nov. 2023 His right knee and both ankles were broken, his clavicle was broken and one of his ribs had pierced his liver. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023 For example, during implant removals, Dr. Few will often use fat to smooth out transition areas — under the clavicle, right above the breast, around cleavage — where there can be indents or sharp transitions after implants are taken out. Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 6 Dec. 2023 There’s so much importance woven into that little scrap of cloth perched on your clavicle. Melvin Backman, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2023 After prevailing in his trial, White said the money he was awarded will help with a mountain of medical bills: $150,000 for reconstructive surgery on his clavicle, $25,000 to fix his clawed hands; and $50,000 to replace his hip, where a bullet remains lodged. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clavicle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French clavicule, from New Latin clavicula, from Latin, diminutive of Latin clavis; akin to Greek kleid-, kleis key, kleiein to close

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clavicle was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near clavicle

Cite this Entry

“Clavicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clavicle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clavicle

noun
clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl How to pronounce clavicle (audio)
: a bone of the shoulder that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade

called also collarbone

Medical Definition

clavicle

noun
clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl How to pronounce clavicle (audio)
: a bone of the shoulder girdle that links the scapula and sternum, is situated just above the first rib on either side of the neck, and has the form of a narrow elongated S

called also collarbone

clavicular adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on clavicle

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