clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈkla-vi-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvi-kyə-lər 

klə-

adjective

Examples of clavicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The unique asymmetrical shoulder design creates a look of elegance and accentuates the clavicle. —Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2024

There is also a smaller necklace that is no less ornate or extravagant: a large butterfly hanging at the tip of one of its wings from a cartoonishly large cable chain worn close to the clavicle. —Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2024

Two weeks later the woman had surgery to take out the rib closest to her clavicle. —Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Zendaya continued her white-hot style streak at the Challengers Paris premiere with a custom Louis Vuitton gown designed with a sweetheart bodice displaying her clavicle in the most elegant way and a floor-sweeping pleated skirt cinched with a crisscross belt. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French clavicule, from New Latin clavicula, from Latin, diminutive of Latin clavis; akin to Greek kleid-, kleis key, kleiein to close

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade

called also collarbone

Medical Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle that links the scapula and sternum, is situated just above the first rib on either side of the neck, and has the form of a narrow elongated S

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvik-yə-lər, klə- 

adjective