clavicle

American  

[klav-i-kuhl] / ˈklæv ɪ kəl /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. a bone of the pectoral arch.

2. (in humans) either of two slender bones, each articulating with the sternum and a scapula and forming the anterior part of a shoulder; collarbone.

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clavicle British  

/ kləˈvɪkjʊlə, kləˈvɪkjʊˌleɪt, ˈklævɪkəl /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: collarbone.  either of the two bones connecting the shoulder blades with the upper part of the breastbone

2. the corresponding structure in other vertebrates

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clavicle Scientific  

/ klăv′ĭ-kəl /

1. Either of two slender bones that extend from the upper part of the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder.

2. Also called collarbone

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Other Word Forms

• clavicular adjective
• claviculate adjective
• subclavicular adjective

Etymology

Origin of clavicle

1605–15; < Medieval Latin clāvicula collarbone, Latin: tendril, door-bolt, little key, equivalent to clāvi ( s ) key + -cula -cule ¹

Example Sentences

Notice the robust volume as the stock attempts to form the right clavicle of a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders pattern.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

"Barrie McDermott dived on top of me and I popped my clavicle joint," Davies recalls.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

Starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was placed on injured reserve Monday after suffering a fractured clavicle during Sunday’s 33-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

A fractured right clavicle ended his sophomore season, before he separated his right AC joint as a junior in 2021.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 25, 2024

The throbbing ache near her clavicle when she shifted was a painful reminder of the rock that had hit her, but she bit into her lip until the threatening tears waned.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray