clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈkla-vi-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvi-kyə-lər 

klə-

adjective

Examples of clavicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scanning both sides of 12 crew members’ clavicles whose ages ranged from 13 to 40 revealed asymmetric effects of aging. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024

The woman suffered numerous injuries, including to her clavicle, head, neck and hand. —Tony Plohetski, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Aug. 2024

Although the researchers expected to see an increase in bone minerals tied to aging, examining the clavicles with Raman spectroscopy — a technique that employs lasers to probe a substance’s underlying chemistry — provided a new level of detail that other imaging techniques can’t deliver. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024

Understanding the relationship between handedness and impacts to the clavicle is crucial. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French clavicule, from New Latin clavicula, from Latin, diminutive of Latin clavis; akin to Greek kleid-, kleis key, kleiein to close

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade

called also collarbone

Medical Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle that links the scapula and sternum, is situated just above the first rib on either side of the neck, and has the form of a narrow elongated S

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvik-yə-lər, klə- 

adjective