compound fracture

noun

: a bone fracture resulting in an open wound through which bone fragments usually protrude : open fracture compare simple fracture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web At first, his diagnosis was just a nasty compound fracture, but his condition unexpectedly worsened, and he was rushed into surgery. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2023 And then, about an inch below my shoulder, a full compound fracture. Marisa Sullivan, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2023 His left leg sustained a compound fracture. John Johnston, The Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2022 Vikings safety Lewis Cine, who suffered a compound fracture of his left leg in Sunday’s win over the Saints, underwent surgery in London. Christopher Price, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Oct. 2022 In the fifth week of the 2020 season, Prescott suffered a compound fracture and a dislocation of his right ankle in a game against the New York Giants. Dallas News, 12 Sep. 2022 Smith overcame a spiral compound fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg in 2018 to play again, but he will be turn 37 in May and ran into injury issues down the stretch in 2020. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 14 Feb. 2021 The 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is coming back from a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle that ended his 2020 season in Week 5. Star Tribune, 28 July 2021 He was once trapped in an avalanche and knocked off his snowmobile, suffering a dislocated jaw and a compound fracture in one leg. Matt Schudel, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2020 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compound fracture was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near compound fracture

Cite this Entry

“Compound fracture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compound%20fracture. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

compound fracture

noun
: a breaking of a bone in such a way as to produce an open wound through which bone fragments stick out compare simple fracture

Medical Definition

compound fracture

noun
: a bone fracture resulting in an open wound through which bone fragments usually protrude : open fracture compare simple fracture

More from Merriam-Webster on compound fracture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!