scapula

noun scap·u·la \ ˈska-pyə-lə \

|Updated on: 1 Aug 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

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Recent Examples of scapula from the Web

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
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

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