scapula

noun scap·u·la \ ˈska-pyə-lə \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of scapula

plural scapulae play \ˈska-pyə-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ or scapulas

: either of a pair of large triangular bones lying one in each dorsal lateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the shoulder girdle, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle or coracoid — called also shoulder blade

See scapula defined for English-language learners

See scapula defined for kids

Recent Examples of scapula from the Web

The 13-year veteran of the force suffered four broken ribs and a broken scapula, KSTU reported.

— natalie dreier, ajc, "Graphic video: Police officer flies through air after being hit by car," 29 Mar. 2018
Brenchley suffered broken ribs and a broken scapula.

— william axford, Houston Chronicle, "Graphic video: Utah police release footage of trooper getting hit by car," 27 Mar. 2018
Harvey pushed himself too hard in his return, and his throwing shoulder was too weak, which eventually led to his missing two and a half months with a stress injury in his scapula.

— james wagner, New York Times, "Matt Harvey Begins With a ‘Lot Left in the Tank’ and His Manager’s Support," 15 Feb. 2018
He is being treated for a broken scapula, fractures and lacerations to his face, head and neck, a chip on his C spine and pain in arms upon movement and touch.

— carol robinson, AL.com, "Escaped Hanceville inmate captured in Birmingham early Thursday," 25 Jan. 2018
This means the chop was cut from the section of the shoulder just adjacent to the ribs; the bone is a piece of the scapula.

— john willoughby, charlotteobserver, "They’re not ribs, but they’re rib-sticking: Country-style ribs, explained | Charlotte Observer," 16 Jan. 2018
Also got a head start on Texas A&M. -- Kamryn Petway fractured his scapula late in the game against Arkansas.

— tom green, AL.com, "Live Updates: Gus Malzahn previews Texas A&M," 31 Oct. 2017
These recreational archaeologists sit cheerfully amidst the grit, cleaning debris from sea lion scapulas with toothbrushes, even as the bones fall apart in their hands.

— jude isabella, Smithsonian, "How Japan’s Bear-Worshipping Indigenous Group Fought Its Way to Cultural Relevance," 18 Oct. 2017
Prosise missed the final six games of the regular season and the two playoff games with a fractured scapula in 2016.

— geoffrey c. arnold, OregonLive.com, "Seattle Seahawks RBs Thomas Rawls, C.J. Prosise won't play in Friday's preseason game," 25 Aug. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of scapula

New Latin, from Latin, shoulder blade, shoulder

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1578

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

scapula

noun scap·u·la \ ˈskap-yə-lə \

medical Definition of scapula

plural scapulae play \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ or scapulas

: either of a pair of large essentially flat and triangular bones lying one in each dorsolateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the shoulder girdle, divided on the posterior surface into the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae by an oblique transverse bony process or spine terminating in the acromion, having a hook-shaped bony coracoid process on the anterior surface of the superior border of the bone, providing articulation for the humerus, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle — called also shoulder blade