Meaning & Definition
noun
The act or process of breaking or the state of being broken, especially the breaking of a bone.
The X-ray revealed a fracture in her left arm.
A break or crack in something, such as a rock or a structural element.
Geologists studied the fracture in the rock to understand the area's seismic activity.
A division or breach in a group or organization.
The scandal caused a significant fracture within the political party.
verb
To break or cause to break.
He accidentally fractured his wrist while playing basketball.
To break or crack (something) into pieces.
The earthquake fractured the pavement along the main road.
Etymology
Middle English: from Latin 'fractura', from 'frangere' meaning 'to break'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
fractured relationship:
A relationship that has become broken or strained.
fracture line:
A line along which a fracture makes a break in a rock or bone.
compound fracture:
A type of fracture where the bone breaks through the skin.
Slang Meanings
To fracture something badly.
He really fractured that car when he hit the wall.
To seriously mess something up.
They fractured the project with all those changes.