fracture

noun

frac·ture | \ ˈfrak-chər $How to pronounce fracture (audio)$ , -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 $How to pronounce fracturing (audio)$ , -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

Her ex-husband left her with a facial fracture during a visit to a relative’s home in San Diego in 2017, Shull said. — Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, "State funding for firm giving free legal advice to vulnerable clients is zeroed out in Dunleavy veto," 4 July 2019 Despite their mutual respect, most of them anticipate LeftTube eventually splintering—and a few already see hairline fractures in the community. — Shaan Amin, The New Republic, "Can the Left Win YouTube?," 2 July 2019 One of the lasting images of this past season was Looney wincing in pain and gutting through it while playing in the NBA Finals with a first costal cartilage fracture. — Jon Becker, The Mercury News, "Report: Rockets may pursue Warriors’ Kevon Looney," 26 June 2019 Judge missed 45 games last season with a chip fracture in his right wrist after getting hit by a pitch on July 26 against Kansas City. — Alaa Abdeldaiem, SI.com, "Aaron Judge Activated From Injured List, Returns to Yankees Lineup vs. Astros," 21 June 2019 The woman was taken to a hospital with a neck fracture, Delimitros said. — Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Woman seriously injured in Rancho Peñasquitos crash," 16 June 2019 The Jonas breakup, initiated by Nick, caused a painful fracture in the brothers' relationship. — Jason Gay, Harper's BAZAAR, "Jonas Brothers: From Pop Stars to Rock Stars," 6 June 2019 He had been placed on the disabled list just once in his career during the 2014 season with a rib fracture. — Bob Brookover, https://www.inquirer.com, "Phillies lose fifth straight and outfielder Andrew McCutchen to injury; Manny Machado’s grand slam leads Padres," 4 June 2019 Two previous events ended in bloody fistfights and riots, and one counterprotester was sent to the hospital with a skull fracture. — Fox News, "Portland braces itself for violent clashes between right-wing and antifa protesters," 4 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

This region, called the Medusa Fossae Formation, is highly fractured and contains shallow ice. — Clive Thompson, WIRED, "Is Mars' Methane Spike a Sign of Life? Here’s How We’ll Know," 24 June 2019 Roommate drama between Lauren, Lo and Audrina overshadows Alkaline Trio (Season 3/Episode 27) After moving into a palatial Hollywood home together, Audrina's relationship with Lauren and co-star Lo Bosworth was fractured by the end of Season 3. — Glenn Rowley, Billboard, "'The Hills' Best Music Moments: Lady Gaga, Brandy, Ryan Cabrera & More," 24 June 2019 In the Trump era, the sports-champion White House visit has racially fractured some teams. — Wesley Morris, New York Times, "A Tolerable Redemption for Tiger Woods," 13 June 2019 My behavior had fractured our trust, scarred our intimacy, and broken our unity. — Michelle Manetti, Good Housekeeping, "5 Times Jeremy and Audrey Roloff's Book 'A Love Letter Life' Got Extremely Real," 12 Apr. 2019 Instead, it was fractured into several small kingdoms. — National Geographic, "To seize power in Spain, Queen Isabella had to play it smart," 28 Mar. 2019 That ideal has been fractured into a million pieces and scattered beyond all recognition. — Joelle Monique, Teen Vogue, ""If Beale Street Could Talk" Highlights the Power of Love in a World Designed for Black People to Fail," 9 Jan. 2019 The Sinaloa Cartel has fractured, with top lieutenants challenging the sons for power. — Carlos Rodriguez And Amy Guthrie, Fox News, "Maradona to coach soccer club in Mexico's cartel heartland," 10 Sep. 2018 Her spine, legs and feet were also fractured in the accident. — Leah Asmelash And Nadeem Muaddi, CNN, "In honor of Frida Kahlo's birthday, here are 5 things you should know about the Mexican artist," 6 July 2019

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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