avulsion

American  

[uh-vuhl-shuhn] / əˈvʌl ʃən /

noun

1. a tearing away.

2. Law. the sudden removal of soil by change in a river's course or by a flood, from the land of one owner to that of another.

3. a part torn off.

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avulsion British  

/ əˈvʌlʃən /

noun

1. a forcible tearing away or separation of a bodily structure or part, either as the result of injury or as an intentional surgical procedure

2. law the sudden removal of soil from one person's land to that of another, as by flooding

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Etymology

Origin of avulsion

1615–25; < Latin āvulsiōn- (stem of āvulsiō ), equivalent to āvuls ( us ) torn off ( avulse ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The timing of avulsions—and means of combating them—has mystified scientists and engineers.

From Science Magazine

He underwent an MRI on Wednesday that reconfirmed a small avulsion fracture and ligament tear.

From Seattle Times

The Hawks announced Sunday that MRI found Bogdanovic sustained an avulsion fracture the previous night when he went down awkwardly in a loss to Charlotte.

From Seattle Times

The team says Hayward sustained an avulsion fracture of his fifth metacarpal on the right hand during the team’s preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 14.

From Seattle Times

The Lakers were also without Rajon Rondo, whose right ring finger was taped after having sustained an avulsion fracture on Saturday in Oklahoma City.

From Los Angeles Times