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

During the accident that killed his friend and colleague, Souza was shot in the shoulder, fracturing his scapula, but the bullet didn’t exit. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2024

Until the last two weeks, San Diego State has not done enough to keep all those scapulas locked in place. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2023

More Than Just Scaffolding The average adult body is armed with around 206 bones, from the scapula to the sternum to the sacrum. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023

He was plagued with elbow inflammation in 2021 and a scapula injury delayed his 2022 season. —Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 7 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, shoulder blade, shoulder

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scapula

noun

scap·​u·​la ˈskap-yə-lə 

plural scapulae -ˌlē 

-ˌlī

or scapulas

: shoulder blade

Medical Definition

scapula

noun

scap·​u·​la ˈskap-yə-lə 

plural scapulae -ˌlē  -ˌlī  or scapulas

: 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