Collarbone

/ˈkɒl.ər.boʊn/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A thin, S-shaped bone that connects the arm to the body, situated at the top of the chest.
He felt a sharp pain in his collarbone after the fall.
The anatomical term for the clavicle, which is often visible just beneath the skin at the base of the neck.
Her dress was designed to accentuate her collarbone.
A term used in jewelry design to refer to designs that highlight or draw attention to the collarbone area.
The necklace she wore was the perfect length to enhance her collarbone.

Etymology

From Latin 'clavicula', diminutive of 'clavis' meaning 'key', due to its shape resembling a key.

Common Phrases and Expressions

break a collarbone
To sustain a fracture in the collarbone, typically from an injury.

Related Words

clavicle
The medical term for the collarbone.
scapula
The shoulder blade, which articulates with the collarbone.

Slang Meanings

Collar
He got a bad collar from that fall.
Bone
I hit my bone when I stumbled.