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DictionaryscapulaShoulder blade
noun

scapula

SKAP-yuh-luh/ˈskæpjələ/

The flat bone at the back of the shoulder.

The scapula has a broad triangular blade.

An isolated human scapula shown from the back, clearly displaying its flat triangular blade, prominent scapular spine, acromion, and lateral shoulder socket.
Etymology
scapulaLatinshoulder, shoulder blade

The Latin shoulder word may originally have meant “spades” or “shovels,” referring either to the blade’s shape or to animal shoulder blades used as scraping tools.

In context

Zero To Finals3:53
the scapula is the flat triangular shaped bone at the back commonly called the shoulder blade the humerus is the name for the bone of the upper arm
Anatomy of the Skeleton

More examples

  • The diagram shows both scapulae.
  • The clinician examined movement of the scapula.
  • A muscle attaches along the scapula’s edge.

Forms

scapula · scapulas · scapulae

Similar words

shoulder blade
Shoulder blade is the everyday name for the scapula.
clavicle
The clavicle is the collarbone at the front; the scapula lies at the back of the shoulder.