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

Cameron Flukey, who helped lead Coastal to the College World Series finals last year, has a stress fracture in his rib and won't be able to fill his usual Friday night role. —David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026

In 2024, Carpenter endured a stay on the 60-day IL with a lumbar spine stress fracture. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026

But shortly before the World Championships that year, Kayne was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her right knee, and the team was forced to pull out of Worlds. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026

But Johnson suffered a stress fracture in his foot during that game against Stonehill and didn’t return until late January. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 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