scapula

[ skap-yuh-luh ]
/ ˈskæp yə lə /

noun, plural scap·u·las, scap·u·lae [skap-yuh-lee] /ˈskæp yəˌli/.

Anatomy. either of two flat, triangular bones, each forming the back part of a shoulder in humans; shoulder blade.
Zoology. a dorsal bone of the pectoral girdle.

Origin of scapula

1570–80; < Latin: shoulder

Example sentences from the Web for scapula

British Dictionary definitions for scapula

scapula
/ (ˈskæpjʊlə) /

noun plural -lae (-liː) or -las

either of two large flat triangular bones, one on each side of the back part of the shoulder in man Nontechnical name: shoulder blade
the corresponding bone in most vertebrates

Word Origin for scapula

C16: from Late Latin: shoulder

Medical definitions for scapula

scapula
[ skăpyə-lə ]

n. pl. scap•u•las

Either of two large, flat, triangular bones forming the back part of the shoulder. shoulder blade

Scientific definitions for scapula

scapula
[ skăpyə-lə ]

Plural scapulae (skăpyə-lē′) scapulas

Either of two flat, triangular bones forming part of the shoulder. In humans and other primates, the scapulae lie on the upper part of the back on either side of the spine. Also called shoulder blade See more at skeleton.