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scapula
noun
scap·u·la
ˈska-pyə-lə
plural scapulae
ˈska-pyə-ˌlē
-ˌlī
or scapulas
: either of a pair of large triangular bones lying one in each dorsal lateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the shoulder girdle, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle or coracoid
called also shoulder blade
Examples of scapula in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During the accident that killed his friend and colleague, Souza was shot in the shoulder, fracturing his scapula, but the bullet didn’t exit.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2024
Until the last two weeks, San Diego State has not done enough to keep all those scapulas locked in place.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2023
More Than Just Scaffolding The average adult body is armed with around 206 bones, from the scapula to the sternum to the sacrum.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023
He was plagued with elbow inflammation in 2021 and a scapula injury delayed his 2022 season.
—Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 7 June 2023
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin, shoulder blade, shoulder
First Known Use
1578, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near scapula
Cite this Entry
“Scapula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scapula. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
scapula
noun
scap·u·la
ˈskap-yə-lə
: either of a pair of large essentially flat and triangular bones lying one in each dorsolateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the shoulder girdle, divided on the posterior surface into the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae by an oblique transverse bony process or spine terminating in the acromion, having a hook-shaped bony coracoid process on the anterior surface of the superior border of the bone, providing articulation for the humerus, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle
called also shoulder blade
More from Merriam-Webster on scapula
Nglish: Translation of scapula for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of scapula for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scapula
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