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

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

In the interior, Jonah Jackson fractured his scapula, then got benched for rookie Beaux Limmer. —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

And there are also the ones that attach to the scapula (shoulder blades), including your rhomboids and trapezius. —Elizabeth Millard, Cpt, SELF, 19 Nov. 2024

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