labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a ring of fibrous cartilage forming the margin of the shallow cavity of the upper part of the scapula by which the humerus articulates with the shoulder girdle

Examples of labrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ohtani dislocated that shoulder during the World Series and underwent arthroscopic surgery days later to repair a labrum tear in the joint. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 24 May 2025

His rookie year ended prematurely with a torn labrum four games into the 2023 season. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 20 May 2025

Mondon underwent meniscus surgery in high school, labrum surgery in 2022, foot surgery in 2023 and missed four games in 2024 due to another foot injury. —James Boyd, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

Cora also provided a brief update on outfielder Masataka Yoshida (right shoulder labrum surgery), who is working out in Fort Myers and who the manager said is now throwing up to 120 feet. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, lip, edge — more at lip

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for labrum

• candelabrum

Kids Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

: the upper mouthpart of an arthropod in front of or above the mandibles

Medical Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

plural labra -brə 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a fibrous ring of cartilage attached to the rim of a joint: as

a

: glenoid labrum

b

: acetabular labrum