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
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Bergstrom competed all throughout last year with an ailing knee, a season after she was sidelined at state due to a stress fracture in her foot. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 May 2026 Cuvet still out The Hurricanes are still without star third baseman Daniel Cuvet, who has missed the past nine games with a stress fracture in his back. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026 Bergert underwent Tommy John Surgery and Kudrna had surgery to repair an olecranon stress fracture on his elbow. Jaylon Thompson may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026 In 2022, his rookie season ended early because of a slight stress fracture in his right ankle. Josh Robbins, New York Times, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stress fracture

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stress fracture was in 1943

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Cite this Entry

“Stress fracture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stress%20fracture. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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

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