fibula

[ fib-yuh-luh ]

noun

, plural fib·u·lae [fib, -y, uh, -lee], fib·u·las.

1. Anatomy. the outer and thinner of the two bones of the human leg, extending from the knee to the ankle.
2. Zoology. a corresponding bone, often rudimentary or ankylosed with the tibia, of the leg or hind limb of an animal.
3. a clasp or brooch, often ornamented, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

fibula

/ ˈfɪbjʊlə /

noun

1. the outer and thinner of the two bones between the knee and ankle of the human leg Compare tibia
2. the corresponding bone in other vertebrates
3. a metal brooch resembling a safety pin, often highly decorated, common in Europe after 1300 bc

fibula

/ fĭb′yə-lə /

, Plural fibulae fĭb′yə-lē′

1. The smaller of the two bones of the lower leg or lower portion of the hind leg.
2. See more at skeleton

Derived Forms

• ˈfibular, adjective

Other Words From

• fibu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fibula¹

1665–75; < New Latin; Latin fībula bolt, pin, clasp, probably < *fīvibula, equivalent to fīv ( ere ), early form of fīgere to fasten, fix + -i- -i- + -bula suffix denoting instrument; the bone so called from its resemblance to the tongue of a clasp

Word History and Origins

Origin of fibula¹

C17: from Latin: clasp, probably from fīgere to fasten

Example Sentences

"Under the meat of a drumstick, you'll find two bones -- the tibia, which is long and thick, and the fibula, which is much shorter and thinner," Manafzadeh explained.

From Science Daily

Mr Tjitendero suffered a fractured fibula, fractured nose and lacerations to his head and both shins in the incident, the court was told.

From BBC

Sticking out his left leg from the open-door vehicle in an attempt to brace for impact, Foster suffered major fractures of his tibia and fibula.

From Los Angeles Times

Jurors heard that Mr Tjitendero suffered a fractured fibula, fractured nose and lacerations to his head and both shins in the incident.

From BBC

"I tripped over a step in the garden and managed to, somehow, dislocate my ankle; break my tibia and fibula; and rip two ligaments off the bone. What the heck," said Archibald.

From BBC