labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a ring of fibrous cartilage forming the margin of the shallow cavity of the upper part of the scapula by which the humerus articulates with the shoulder girdle

Examples of labrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The procedure to repair the resulting labrum tear was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. —Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

Minter, a reliever who comes to the Mets after spending the entirety of his career with the Atlanta Braves, underwent hip labrum surgery last summer. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025

The capsule, ligaments or labrum can be stretched, torn or detached from the bone during shoulder subluxation and dislocation. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024

Gonzalez got out to an excellent start to his rookie season before tearing his labrum in Week 4. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 18 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, lip, edge — more at lip

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

: the upper mouthpart of an arthropod in front of or above the mandibles

Medical Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

plural labra -brə 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a fibrous ring of cartilage attached to the rim of a joint: as

a

: glenoid labrum

b

: acetabular labrum