Meaning & Definition of word "Collarbone"

Collarbone

/ˈkɒl.ər.boʊn/

noun:

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

Meaning: Collar

Example Sentence: He got a bad collar from that fall.

Meaning: Bone

Example Sentence: I hit my bone when I stumbled.