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Definition of clavicle

clavicle

/ˈklæv.ɪ.kəl/
clav · i · cle
Plural:clavicles
•
Adjective:clavicular
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clavicle Lexical Profile

clavicle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Either of the two slender, curved bones in vertebrates that connect the breastbone (sternum) to each shoulder blade (scapula); the collarbone.

Example

"The cyclist fractured his left clavicle after falling awkwardly onto his outstretched arm."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for clavicle

• Rhymes for clavicle

• Nearby Words

claustrophobic
claves
clavichord
clavicle
clavilux
claw
clawback

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French 'clavicule', from Latin 'clavicula' ('little key'), a diminutive of 'clavis' ('key'), so named because the curved bone rotates along its axis like an ancient Roman key when the shoulder is raised.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clavicle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clavicle
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