scapula

noun

scap·u·la | \ ˈska-pyə-lə

plural scapulae\ ˈska-pyə-ˌlē

, -ˌlī \ or scapulas

Definition of scapula

: 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

Examples of scapula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That's the muscle that runs from your neck to your shoulder, and down to your scapula (shoulder blade), on each side. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Why Sara Sampaio's Dumbbell Raise Exercise Is Great for Strengthening Your Shoulders," 23 July 2018 In addition to breathing quality, this stretch helps relieve tension headaches caused by an achy neck and stiff shoulders, as well as bolstering underworked muscles around the scapula. — Philly.com, "3 exercises for beating the afternoon slump," 24 Apr. 2018 Hard to mess up a butt — just cook it slow until the scapula slides out clean. — Joseph Gerth, The Courier-Journal, "After an extensive taste test, here are the best BBQ ribs in Louisville," 29 June 2018 Then an arrow shot by a Southern Alpine archer struck the Iceman from behind, shattering his scapula and severing an artery. — Nicholas St. Fleur, New York Times, "The Final Hours of the Iceman’s Tools," 21 June 2018 Kevin’s sister, Ileen San, suffered a fractured right scapula, right hand and left wrist. — Megan Cassidy, San Francisco Chronicle, "Four years after crash kills 16-year-old, vehicular manslaughter trial begins," 10 May 2018 They were put there by a stone blade; on the only unbroken scapula in the set, there are 32 notches, but some have as few as three. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Early Middle-Eastern culture had a thing for gazelle scapula," 1 May 2018 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

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.

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The first known use of scapula was in 1578

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scapula

noun

scap·u·la | \ ˈskap-yə-lə

plural scapulae\ -ˌlē

, -ˌlī

\ or scapulas

Medical Definition of scapula

: 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