scapula

noun

scap·​u·​la ˈska-pyə-lə How to pronounce scapula (audio)
plural scapulae ˈska-pyə-ˌlē How to pronounce scapula (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce scapula (audio) 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

Examples of scapula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the interior, Jonah Jackson fractured his scapula, then got benched for rookie Beaux Limmer. Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 And there are also the ones that attach to the scapula (shoulder blades), including your rhomboids and trapezius. Elizabeth Millard, Cpt, SELF, 19 Nov. 2024 During the accident that killed his friend and colleague, Souza was shot in the shoulder, fracturing his scapula, but the bullet didn’t exit. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2024 Until the last two weeks, San Diego State has not done enough to keep all those scapulas locked in place. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for scapula 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, shoulder blade, shoulder

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scapula was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near scapula

Cite this Entry

“Scapula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scapula. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

scapula

noun
scap·​u·​la ˈskap-yə-lə How to pronounce scapula (audio)
plural scapulae -ˌlē How to pronounce scapula (audio)
-ˌlī
or scapulas

Medical Definition

scapula

noun
scap·​u·​la ˈskap-yə-lə How to pronounce scapula (audio)
plural scapulae -ˌlē How to pronounce scapula (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce scapula (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on scapula

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