stress fracture

noun

: a usually hairline fracture of a bone that has been subjected to repeated stress

Examples of stress fracture in a Sentence

The gymnast developed a stress fracture in her ankle.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nagornaya saw stress fractures on the L5 vertabrae and a disc herniation that compressed the left L3 nerve root. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

The Yankees are hopeful the images show that Judge, who was diagnosed last month with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side, is healing. — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 9 July 2026

The Yankees are also playing without All World All Star Aaron Judge (ribs stress fracture) and slugger Giancarlo Stanton (strained calf). — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

The most pressing problem right now is the absence of Judge, whose timeline to return from a right rib stress fracture remains uncertain. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stress fracture

• contracture
• facture
• manufacture

Medical Definition

stress fracture

noun

: a usually hairline fracture of a bone (as of the foot or lower leg) that has been subjected to repeated stress

occurrence of stress fractures among joggers