English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

fibula

FIHB-yuul-uh

Fibula (noun) means the thinner of the two bones in the lower leg, running alongside the shin bone. Example: “She fractured her fibula in a skiing accident.”

noun
1
The thinner of the two bones in the lower leg, running alongside the shin bone.
"She fractured her fibula in a skiing accident."
2
An ancient decorative clasp used to fasten clothing, similar to a large safety pin.
"Archaeologists found a bronze fibula in the Roman grave."

How to use fibula

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe thin outer bone of the lower leg, or (in archaeology) an ancient decorative pin.

Easily confused with

Word forms

fibulae plural, fibulas plural, fibulæ plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “fibula” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She fractured her _____ in a skiing accident.

Etymology

From Latin fībula ("buckle, clasp, pin") — the leg bone is named after the clasp because of how it pairs with the shinbone.

Origin: Latin

calf bone

Rhymes for fibula

See all rhymes for fibula →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fibula” mean?

The word “fibula” means the thinner of the two bones in the lower leg, running alongside the shin bone. In plain terms, the thin outer bone of the lower leg, or (in archaeology) an ancient decorative pin.

How do you pronounce “fibula”?

“Fibula” is pronounced FIHB-yuul-uh (/ˈfɪb.jəl.ə/ in IPA).

How do you use “fibula” in a sentence?

Here is “fibula” used in a sentence: “She fractured her fibula in a skiing accident.”

What part of speech is “fibula”?

“Fibula” is a noun.

Where does the word “fibula” come from?

The word “fibula” comes from Latin. From Latin fībula ("buckle, clasp, pin") — the leg bone is named after the clasp because of how it pairs with the shinbone.

How many meanings does “fibula” have?

“Fibula” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the thinner of the two bones in the lower leg, running alongside the shin bone.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial