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

Ashley didn’t record a stat in two seasons with the Yellow Jackets, then he was medically disqualified due to Georgia Tech finding a bulging disk and stress fracture in his back. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2026

Monday’s procedure involved inserting a screw in Brown’s neck to stabilize the stress fracture and improve circulation to the area. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

The most recent of those was a tibia stress fracture in the summer of 2024. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Stewart, a 6-foot-5, 295-pound former five-star recruit, played through a stress fracture in his foot during his freshman season. — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 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