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.
"Most of the fibulae have a triangular molding above the notch, which probably contained wound wire. The crossbar is decorated either with a flat knob or with a Persian merlon."
— N. P. Toll, Fibulae (1949)
"Archaeologists found a bronze fibula in the Roman grave."
How to use fibula
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe thin outer bone of the lower leg, or (in archaeology) an ancient decorative pin.
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Word forms
- Plural
- fibulae, fibulas, fibulæ
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.
Synonyms
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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.
