fibula

play

noun fib·u·la \ ˈfi-byə-lə \

Definition of fibula

plural fibulae play \ˈfi-byə-lē, -lī\ or fibulas

1 :the outer and usually smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle in the hind or lower limbs of vertebrates

2 :a clasp resembling a safety pin used especially by the ancient Greeks and Romans

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fibular

play \ˈfi-byə-lər\ adjective

See fibula defined for English-language learners

See fibula defined for kids

Recent Examples of fibula from the Web

Williams said, referring to his broken fibula at UW that kept him out of the final third of his junior season.

— stefanie loh, The Seattle Times, "Seahawks WR Kasen Williams has another big night, this time against Minnesota," 18 Aug. 2017
Cornerback Delvin Breaux remained out as he was set to undergo surgery on his fractured left fibula on Thursday.

— josh katzenstein, NOLA.com, "Max Unger getting closer, 12 Saints miss first joint practice with Chargers," 17 Aug. 2017
After Breaux was diagnosed with a bone contusion two weeks ago, a second X-ray by a different doctor revealed a fracture in his fibula.

— profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Saints firing doctors brings up questions, challenges," 17 Aug. 2017
The 6-foot-3-inch senior broke his tibia and fibula in his right leg during a 7-on-7 camp in July.

— drew hill, The Courier-Journal, "Three-star Doss athlete Terez Traynor commits to Western Kentucky University," 10 Aug. 2017
In his third start of the season, the former White Sox farmhand suffered a hairline fracture of his left fibula just above the ankle, absorbing a liner in a May 30 game against Kansas City.

— michael osipoff, Post-Tribune, "Former White Sox farmhand Jeff McKenzie returns in relief for RailCats," 8 Aug. 2017
However, Harvey suffered a fractured right fibula after getting hit by a comebacker in a game shortly after being reassigned to minor league camp.

— eduardo a. encina, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles' Hunter Harvey glad to finally 'get back on the mound and compete again'," 6 Aug. 2017
Forward Cameron Porter broke his right fibula and suffered ligament damage in his right ankle as the result of a play during practice Tuesday.

— sam mcdowell, kansascity, "Sporting KC forward Cameron Porter out for the season," 2 Aug. 2017
LATROBE, Pa. -- Steelers lineman Marcus Gilbert is being accused of causing a 54-year-old man to fall onto a pile of bricks, breaking his right fibula, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

— jacob klinger, cleveland.com, "Pittsburgh Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert facing lawsuit," 28 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fibula.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of fibula

Origin and Etymology of fibula

Latin, pin, clasp; akin to Latin figere to fasten

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1578

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FIBULA Defined for English Language Learners

fibula

play

noun

Definition of fibula for English Language Learners

medical : the outer one of the two bones below the knee in a person's leg

FIBULA Defined for Kids

fibula

play

noun fib·u·la \ ˈfi-byə-lə \

Definition of fibula for Students

plural fibulae \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ or fibulas

:the outer and smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle

Medical Dictionary

fibula

play

noun fib·u·la \ ˈfib-yə-lə \

medical Definition of fibula

plural fibulae \-lē also -ˌlī\ or fibulas

:the outer or postaxial and usually the smaller of the two bones of the hind or lower limb below the knee that is the slenderest bone of the human body in proportion to its length, articulates above with the external tuberosity of the tibia and below with the talus, and has its lower end forming the external malleolus of the ankle — called also calf bone

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