rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryclavicleCollarbone
noun

clavicle

KLAV-ih-kul/ˈklævɪkl/

The bone connecting the breastbone to the shoulder blade.

The diagram shows the clavicle linking the breastbone to the shoulder blade across the upper chest.

Accurate collarbone anatomy: front upper chest skeleton, both clavicles highlighted blue from sternum to shoulders, no erroneous extra bones.
Etymology
clavicleLatinsmall key; collarbone

Clavicula literally meant “small key” or “bolt.” Its use for the collarbone supposedly reflects the bone’s function as a fastener of the shoulder, rather than simply naming its location.

In context

Real Stories40:43
make the incision alongside the clavicle bone, which is the collar bone
Inside the Death Industry

More examples

  • He fractured his clavicle in the fall.
  • The doctor examines the area above the clavicle.
  • Both clavicles are visible in the skeletal model.

Forms

clavicle · clavicles

Similar words

collarbone
Collarbone is the ordinary name for the clavicle.