compound fracture

noun

: a bone fracture resulting in an open wound through which bone fragments usually protrude : open fracture compare simple fracture

Examples of compound fracture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That conundrum—fighting for access to care that citizens ultimately cannot afford—creates a compound fracture in our system that leaves our most vulnerable citizens helpless and hopeless. —Lena Dunham, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

During an examination, police learned that the adult female cat had a compound fracture to its right hind leg with the bone protruding through the skin, which resulted in an amputation to the injured leg. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2024

Williams’ upper left arm, which sustained a compound fracture of his humerus in early November against Florida State, was heavily wrapped. —Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2024

End of carousel How else to account for the will and the grit to fight through the effects of a car accident that resulted in a compound fracture of one of those glorious gams? —Peter Marks, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

compound fracture

noun

: a breaking of a bone in such a way as to produce an open wound through which bone fragments stick out compare simple fracture

Medical Definition

compound fracture

noun

: a bone fracture resulting in an open wound through which bone fragments usually protrude : open fracture compare simple fracture