noun

clavicle

KLAV-ihk-uhl

Clavicle (noun) means the collarbone: the long, slender bone connecting the shoulder blade to the breastbone. Example: “She fractured her clavicle falling off her bike.”

noun

The collarbone: the long, slender bone connecting the shoulder blade to the breastbone.

"She fractured her clavicle falling off her bike."

"The clavicle is one of the most commonly broken bones in contact sports."

How to Use Clavicle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe medical term for the collarbone.

Common pairings

fractured clavicle broken clavicle

Word Forms

clavicles plural

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She fractured her _____ falling off her bike.

Etymology

From Latin clavicula, "little key" — the bone was thought to resemble an ancient key.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for clavicle

icicle article vehicle cubicle testicle particle Popsicle chronicle ventricle

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “clavicle” mean?

The word “clavicle” means the collarbone: the long, slender bone connecting the shoulder blade to the breastbone. In plain terms, the medical term for the collarbone.

How do you pronounce “clavicle”?

“Clavicle” is pronounced KLAV-ihk-uhl (/ˈklæv.ɪk.əl/ in IPA).

How do you use “clavicle” in a sentence?

Here is “clavicle” used in a sentence: “She fractured her clavicle falling off her bike.”

What part of speech is “clavicle”?

“Clavicle” is a noun.

Where does the word “clavicle” come from?

The word “clavicle” comes from Latin. From Latin clavicula, "little key" — the bone was thought to resemble an ancient key.