fracture

noun

frac·ture | \ ˈfrak-chər ,

-shər \

Definition of fracture

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 & Antonyms 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

Stanton was hit by then-Brewers pitcher Mike Fiers in 2014 and suffered multiple facial fractures forcing him to miss the rest of that season. — Andre C. Fernandez, miamiherald, "Marlins prospect acquired in Yelich trade thriving since scary moment at the plate," 9 July 2018 Officials believe the couple, who had been strangled and suffered severe skull fractures, were killed sometime between Sept. 18, 2013, and Sept. 22, 2013, according to attorneys. — Becky Jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Lowell man found guilty of parents' murders appeals conviction," 22 June 2018 Marlborough Health and Rehabilitation Center was fined $3,270 after a resident suffered two leg fractures when a nurse aide failed to transport the resident properly. — courant.com, "State Fines Nursing Homes Following Injuries To Residents," 18 June 2018 Former pro wrestler and bodybuilder Tom Magee suffered multiple facial fractures after he was attacked by a group of men in a dispute over a parking space, CBS Los Angeles reports. — Dan Gartland, SI.com, "Former WWF Wrestler Brutally Beaten by Six Men in Argument Over Parking Space," 18 May 2018 Fittipaldi, originally an Indy 500 entrant, suffered fractures to both of his legs during a crash during an LMP qualifying session for the 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps in Belgium on May 4. — Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Claman De Melo to replace injured Fittipaldi at Grand Prix; Indy 500 ride still in question," 10 May 2018 Four of the women exhibited skull and rib fractures suffered before death. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Germany’s “Stonehenge” Reveals Evidence of Human Sacrifice," 30 June 2018 Over a lifetime, fractures are more common in women. — Marie Mccullough, chicagotribune.com, "Updated osteoporosis screening guidelines cover only women. That could hurt men," 27 June 2018 Areas of expertise include arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs, arthroscopic capsule and labral repairs for shoulder instability, shoulder replacements and fractures of the shoulder. — Orthocincy, Cincinnati.com, "About us: Dr. Kevin J. Shaw," 19 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

On Thursday, Giants third baseman Evan Longoria was hit by a pitch that fractured the fifth metacarpal on his left hand. — Khadrice Rollins, SI.com, "Evan Longoria Expected to Miss Six to Eight Weeks Following Surgery On Fractured Hand," 16 June 2018 Andrus, who fractured his right elbow when he was hit by a pitch on April 12, is eligible to come off the disabled list June 11, an off day. — Stefan Stevenson, star-telegram, "Jurickson Profar powers Rangers past Athletics as Elvis Andrus' return draws near," 6 June 2018 Fergie was also involved in several headline-making scandals that fractured her relationships with members of the royal family, especially Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, the latter of whom reportedly vowed to never be in a room with her again. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Prince Harry's Aunt Sarah Ferguson — aka 'Fergie' — Arrives at the Royal Wedding," 19 May 2018 Guess who fractured her foot walking down the stairs in Bali. — Morgan Enos, Billboard, "Demi Lovato Fractures Her Foot on Trip to Bali," 3 May 2018 The thunder that followed was ear-splitting, a high-pitch crack that fractured the sky for nearly 10 seconds. — Tom Stienstra, San Francisco Chronicle, "Adventures in the shadow of nature’s greatest powers," 29 Apr. 2018 Chicago took a 2-0 playoff lead at Boston last year but lost the next four without Rondo, who fractured his thumb. — Paul Coro, latimes.com, "Pelicans vs. Warriors: How they match up in the second round of the NBA playoffs," 27 Apr. 2018 There was the gymnast whose floor routine was an homage to her Greek heritage, and another who tragically fractured her neck and was left partially paralyzed after an accident at practice. — Michelle R. Martinelli, For The Win, "True Michigan State fans should want the school to accept responsibility for its horrific failures," 26 Apr. 2018 Tagovailoa, who fractured his second metacarpal bone in the first practice of the spring last month, participated Saturday in the Crimson Tide's first scrimmage of the year. — Matt Zenitz, AL.com, "Saban: Field goal kicking during scrimmage was 'encouraging'," 7 Apr. 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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