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

Examples of clavicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Right clavicle fracture; it will be stabilized with a plate. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026

Her head slid down the leather headrest, neck tilting backward for more happiness to escape, clavicle bared to her husband’s confused gaze. — ‘pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026

Per investigators, the child suffered one fracture to his right arm, two fractures to his left arm, fractures to both clavicles and a fracture to his left leg. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026

The officers returned fire, hitting Guevara in his clavicle. — Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026

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