labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a ring of fibrous cartilage forming the margin of the shallow cavity of the upper part of the scapula by which the humerus articulates with the shoulder girdle

Examples of labrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While with the Atlanta Braves in August 2024, Minter had a major operation on his hip to repair a torn labrum. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025

Last week, Campbell, now recovering from labrum surgery, spoke up for other prospects who managed injuries throughout the draft evaluation period. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Ohtani tore the labrum in his left shoulder attempting to steal second base during Game 2 of the World Series and had surgery after the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in five games. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 17 Mar. 2025

The star forward’s passing developed partly out of necessity after suffering labrum tears in both shoulders, the right in 2015 and the left in 2017. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, lip, edge — more at lip

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for labrum

• candelabrum

Kids Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

: the upper mouthpart of an arthropod in front of or above the mandibles

Medical Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

plural labra -brə 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a fibrous ring of cartilage attached to the rim of a joint: as

a

: glenoid labrum

b

: acetabular labrum