fibula

[fib-yuh-luh]

noun

plural

fibulae, fibulas 

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

plural

fibulae 

1. The smaller of the two bones of the lower leg or lower portion of the hind leg.

2. See more at skeleton

Other Word Forms

• fibular 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

Throughout his career, Ovechkin largely dodged serious injury until last November, when he fractured his fibula after getting clipped in the leg by an opposing defender.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It fell on her, breaking her tibia and fibula – bones in her lower leg.

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Unfortunately, Vigueras suffered a broken fibula this past weekend — playing club soccer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Molden spent camp rehabbing from injuries, including a broken fibula and torn meniscus.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He didn't know it at the time, but Tom, 37, had broken his fibula and badly damaged his ankle ligaments.

Read more on BBC