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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
Rotator cuff tears commonly affect the shoulder joint but can cause scapula pain.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 31 Dec. 2024
Her jaw bone, where the cancer originated, has disintegrated, and will be replaced with parts of her scapula from the shoulder blade, Kelly said.
—Jacqueline Devine, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2024
The relaxation of the angles of their wrist, the ability of them to open their chest and the distance between their scapulas, also like a lot of athletes come in complaining of upper back pain, neck pain, wrist pain, things like that, pressure on their hands.
—Josh Ross, Outside Online, 5 Jan. 2025
The scapula isn't commonly fractured because surrounding muscles and tissues protect it well.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 31 Dec. 2024
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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 12 Feb. 2025.
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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