fibula

noun

fib·​u·​la ˈfi-byə-lə 

plural fibulae ˈfi-byə-lē  -lī  or fibulas

1

: the outer and usually smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle in the hind or lower limbs of vertebrates

2

: a clasp resembling a safety pin used especially by the ancient Greeks and Romans

fibular

ˈfi-byə-lər 

adjective

Illustration of fibula

• fibula 2

Examples of fibula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In his first game back since fracturing his right fibula, Isiah Pacheco was used early and often. —Jeff Fedotin, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

The Washington Capitals star captain underwent further evaluation Thursday and was diagnosed with a left fibula fracture, the team announced. —Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

Pacheco was set to return in Week 12 but was not quite ready to take the field after fracturing his fibula early on in the season. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

Star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula during the win over the Cowboys, while veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone broke his forearm in the Jaguars victory. —Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, pin, clasp; akin to Latin figere to fasten

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fibula

noun

fib·​u·​la ˈfib-yə-lə 

plural fibulae -ˌlē 

-ˌlī

or fibulas

: the outer and usually the smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle of the hind or lower limb

fibular

-lər 

adjective

Medical Definition

fibula

noun

fib·​u·​la ˈfib-yə-lə 

plural fibulae

-lē also -ˌlī

or fibulas

: the outer or postaxial and usually the smaller of the two bones of the hind or lower limb below the knee that is the slenderest bone of the human body in proportion to its length, articulates above with the external tuberosity of the tibia and below with the talus, and has its lower end forming the external malleolus of the ankle

called also calf bone

fibular

-lər 

adjective