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

Role: The left-hander was named one of four captains for the Owls last season, starting the first nine games before suffering a broken clavicle that ended his season. —Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2025

His injuries included eight ribs broken in 14 places, right knee and ankle broken, left leg tibia broken, left ankle broken, right clavicle broken, right shoulder broken and more. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025

Favoring the right hand Shankland was interested in the idea of studying clavicles, or collarbones, from the shipwreck because the bones showcase unique characteristics related to age, development and growth. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

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

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