comminute

[kom-uh-noot, -nyoot]

verb (used with object)

comminuted, comminuting 

1. to pulverize; triturate.

adjective

1. comminuted; divided into small parts.

2. powdered; pulverized.

comminute

/ ˈkɒmɪˌnjuːt /

verb

1. to break (a bone) into several small fragments

2. to divide (property) into small lots

3. (tr) to pulverize

Other Word Forms

• comminution noun
• uncomminuted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of comminute¹

1620–30; < Latin comminūtus, past participle of comminuere, equivalent to com- com- + minuere to lessen, akin to minor minor

Word History and Origins

Origin of comminute¹

C17: from Latin comminuere, from com- (intensive) + minuere to reduce; related to _minor

Example Sentences

Woods suffered comminuted open fractures to the tibia and fibula in his right leg, which means both bones broke into at least three pieces and broke through the skin.

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The fractures were described as comminuted, which meant the bones were broken in several places.

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Woods suffered comminuted open fractures to both the tibia and fibula in his right leg, which means both bones broke into at least three pieces and broke through the skin.

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He was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center immediately after the crash, where he underwent surgery on comminuted open fractures to the tibia and fibula bones in his right leg.

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He suffered comminuted open fractures to the tibia and fibula, which means both major bones in his lower right leg broke into multiple pieces and poked through the skin, which increased the threat of infection.

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Related Words

• break 
• crumble 
• mash 
• squash 
• squeeze 
• trample