fracture

noun

frac·ture | \ ˈfrak-chər,

-shər\

Definition of fracture

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the result of fracturing : break

2a : the act or process of breaking or the state of being broken especially : the breaking of hard tissue (such as bone)

b : the rupture (as by tearing) of soft tissue kidney fracture

3 : the general appearance of a freshly broken surface of a mineral

fracture

verb

fractured; fracturing\ ˈfrak-chə-riŋ ,

-shriŋ \

Definition of fracture (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to cause a crack or fracture in : break fracture a rib

b : rupture, tear

2a : to damage or destroy as if by rupturing

b : to cause great disorder in

c : to break up : fractionate

d : to go beyond the limits of (something, such as a rule) : violate … fractured many of the laws of probability …— Sheldon Cheney

intransitive verb

: to undergo fracture : to crack or break Her wrist fractured in the fall.

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about fracture

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Examples of fracture in a Sentence

Noun

a fracture in the Earth's crust She suffered a wrist fracture when she slipped on the ice.

Verb

Her wrist fractured when she fell on the ice. Their happiness was fractured by an unforeseen tragedy. These problems may fracture the unity of the two parties. Their fragile happiness fractured all too soon.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

These complexities also reveal fractures on the basis of sexuality and racial bias. — Ernest Owens, Vox, "What it’s like to be black and gay watching the Kevin Hart controversy unfold.," 7 Jan. 2019 But those who sued say Fosamax caused rare thigh-bone fractures. — Jessica Gresko, The Seattle Times, "High court seems likely to side with Merck in Fosamax case," 7 Jan. 2019 In Monday’s first case, the justices considered whether to allow personal injury lawsuits alleging that Merck & Co. didn’t adequately warn that its osteoporosis drug Fosamax could cause abnormal thigh-bone fractures. — Brent Kendall, WSJ, "Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Misses First Day of Arguments," 7 Jan. 2019 His return would come two weeks after fellow weakside linebacker Mychal Kendricks suffered a season-ending tibia fracture. — Matt Calkins, The Seattle Times, "Pete Carroll has good news on K.J. Wright, but the outlook isn’t as rosy for Jordan Simmons," 17 Dec. 2018 And researchers even found that postmenopausal women who had the most sodium in their diets were four times as likely to experience bone fractures as those who ate the least. — Karen Ansel, Woman's Day, "This Is What Your Daily Sodium Intake Should Really Be," 14 Dec. 2018 But six games and 14 at-bats later Bandy found himself on the DL after suffering a rib fracture when he was plunked by the Chicago Cubs’ John Lackey. — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Notes: Jett Bandy is facing an uphill battle with the Brewers," 25 Feb. 2018 Joel Embiid is still rounding into form after his orbital bone fracture, while Simmons has been playing the best basketball of his life for the last six weeks. — Rohan Nadkarni, SI.com, "2018 Eastern Conference Playoffs: Second Round Preview," 30 Apr. 2018 Center Joel Embiid is out following surgery to repair and orbital bone fracture, a collision that also caused a concussion. — Rick Bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte Hornet Cody Zeller’s status for rest of season settled; injuries pile up | Charlotte Observer," 1 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The paralysis within Labour highlights the bigger cause of Britain’s political dysfunction, which is that Brexit has fractured both major parties. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Labour’s Brexit Pains," 17 Dec. 2018 Most of the bones were also fractured—another indicator of being exposed to sudden extreme high heat. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Extreme heat of Vesuvius eruption vaporized body fluids, exploded skulls," 9 Oct. 2018 Castillo, meanwhile, is betting that the addition of a third party in the 1st Congressional District race could fracture the Republican vote, leveling the playing field for the social worker and gay single father, campaign manager Sheila Raboy said. — Lindsay Whitehurst, Fox News, "3rd-party hopeful brings cash to race with Utah congressman," 8 Aug. 2018 But that family structure was fractured with their 2015 split and Shawn’s incarceration. — Mike Anthony, courant.com, "Mike Anthony: Connecticut Sun Coach Curt Miller Need Not Be Perfect To Be A Perfect Role Model," 13 July 2018 For some, the choice was more evidence that the relationship between Latinos in the U.S. and the GOP is not just fractured, but broken — a breach with both immediate and long-term consequences. — Washington Post, "Chaos on the border inflames GOP’s split with Latinos," 23 June 2018 Nobody was more surprised than Hoskins to learn that Hoskins’ jaw is fractured, as Matt Breen writes from Los Angeles. — Scott Lauber, Philly.com, "With Rhys Hoskins out, not too soon for Phillies to think about trading for a hitter | Extra Innings," 31 May 2018 North College Hill superintendent Eugene Blalock says allegations that a staff member possibly fractured the arm of a student Tuesday are unfounded. — Jennie Key, Cincinnati.com, "Superintendent: Allegations that a student's arm was broken are unfounded," 9 Mar. 2018 Doctors found that both of the boy’s tibias in his legs were fractured below the knee, according to the document. — Harriet Sokmensuer, PEOPLE.com, "Utah Daycare Operator Allegedly Broke Baby's Legs By Slamming Him to Floor Feet-First," 1 Mar. 2018

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

History and Etymology for fracture

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Latin frāctūra "act of breaking, breaking of a bone," from frāctus (past participle of frangere "to break, shatter") + -ūra -ure — more at break entry 1

Verb

derivative of fracture entry 1

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