clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈkla-vi-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvi-kyə-lər 

klə-

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In the pics, Davidson's clavicle and collar bones were missing the tiny inks dedicated to The Kardashians star, 42. —Tracey Harrington Mccoy, Peoplemag, 1 Feb. 2023

In the recent photos, Davidson's clavicle and collar bones appear to be sans the tiny inks dedicated to the Kardashians star, 42. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 23 Jan. 2023

After the game, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said that Ewers has a clavicle strain and will be getting an MRI soon. —Dallas News, 10 Sep. 2022

The clavicular head also connects to the medical clavicle (collarbone). —David Otey, Men's Health, 6 Dec. 2022

Sarafina Bush’s costumes tend to involve some cutaway — either over the midriff (as for Kenita R. Miller, who is eight months pregnant) or the clavicle — a kind of pride-in-skin that makes the room glow with summer warmth. —Helen Shaw, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2022

Formed by the humerus, scapula, and clavicle, multiple muscles help move these bones in a rhythm to allow for pain-free functional use of the arm. —Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 10 Nov. 2022

Sometimes, like in the case of the veteran’s shortened clavicle, the models help surgeons to meticulously rehearse a difficult surgery. —Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 19 Sep. 2021

The serratus anterior and subclavius are also chest muscles, which rotate the scapula and anchors and depresses the clavicle, respectively. —Brett Williams, Men's Health, 7 Dec. 2022

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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

Kids Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: 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 

: 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

kla-ˈvik-yə-lər, klə- 

adjective