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

This specimen (fig. 190) is a fibula or pin, one of the commonest objects of Etruscan, Greek, or Roman dress.

From Project Gutenberg

Fig. 190 shows an Etruscan bronze fibula with two Swastikas and two Maltese crosses in the pin shield.

From Project Gutenberg

A bronze fibula (fig. 199) is in the museum at Mayence, the body of which has the form of the normal Swastika.

From Project Gutenberg

A small though good example of Etruscan work is shown in the gold fibula (fig. 187).

From Project Gutenberg

Medallion-shaped fibula, of fine granulated work, with figures of sirens in relief, and set with dark blue pastes.

From Project Gutenberg