fracture

[ frak-cher ]
/ ˈfræk tʃər /

noun

verb (used with object), frac·tured, frac·tur·ing.

verb (used without object), frac·tured, frac·tur·ing.

to become fractured; break: a mineral that does not fracture easily.

Origin of fracture

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French < Latin frāctūra a breach, cleft, fracture, equivalent to frāct(us) (past participle of frangere to break) + -ūra -ure

SYNONYMS FOR fracture

OTHER WORDS FROM fracture

British Dictionary definitions for refracture

fracture
/ (ˈfræktʃə) /

noun

the act of breaking or the state of being broken
  1. the breaking or cracking of a bone or the tearing of a cartilage
  2. the resulting conditionSee also Colles' fracture, comminuted fracture, compound fracture, greenstick fracture, impacted (def. 2)
a division, split, or breach
mineralogy
  1. the characteristic appearance of the surface of a freshly broken mineral or rock
  2. the way in which a mineral or rock naturally breaks

verb

Derived forms of fracture

fracturable, adjective fractural, adjective

Word Origin for fracture

C15: from Old French, from Latin fractūra, from frangere to break

Medical definitions for refracture (1 of 2)

refracture
[ rē-frăkchər ]

n.

The breaking of a bone that has united after a previous fracture.

Medical definitions for refracture (2 of 2)

fracture
[ frăkchər ]

n.

The act or process of breaking.
A break, rupture, or crack, especially in bone or cartilage.

v.

To cause to break.

Scientific definitions for refracture

fracture
[ frăkchər ]

A break or rupture in bone tissue.♦ A comminuted fracture results in more than two fragments.♦ Although most fractures are caused by a direct blow or sudden, twisting force, stress fractures result from repetitive physical activity.♦ In an incomplete fracture, the fracture line does not completely traverse the bone.