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Definition of "clavicle" [clav•i•cle]

  • Either of two slender bones in humans that extend from the manubrium of the sternum to the acromion of the scapula. Also called collarbone. (noun)
  • One of the bones of the pectoral girdle in many vertebrates. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "clavicle" in a sentence
  • "_catena gulae_ of Roger and Gilbert is what we call the clavicle, though the more common Latin names of this bone are _claviculus_,"
  • "Ro replies, "Did you know it's considered good luck to break a clavicle on a Klingon wedding night?""
  • "I remember thinking of the word clavicle at the time because I had the odd feeling that the water level had sought out the slender, horizontal bones at the top of my chest to draw attention to the fact that I was now within 6 or 8 inches of having my nose and mouth submerged, at which point it would become challenging to continue the breathing process that had become habitual with me."