fibula
Anatomy. the outer and thinner of the two bones of the human leg, extending from the knee to the ankle.
Zoology. a corresponding bone, often rudimentary or ankylosed with the tibia, of the leg or hind limb of an animal.
a clasp or brooch, often ornamented, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Origin of fibula
1Other words from fibula
- fib·u·lar, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use fibula in a sentence
If fibulae were metal clasps, however, we have several varieties of ancient fibulae that might have been used for closing wounds.
Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times | John Stewart MilneGold fibulae of circular form are found in the Kentish barrows, frequently ornamented with real or fictitious gems.
English Villages | P. H. DitchfieldThere is no girdle, the arms are bare, no fibulae are shown.
The World of Homer | Andrew LangThey are far from being loose or trailing; no pins or fibulae appear.
The World of Homer | Andrew LangThe Spartan evidence for the pin and fibulae covers the later range of dates.
The World of Homer | Andrew Lang
British Dictionary definitions for fibula
/ (ˈfɪbjʊlə) /
the outer and thinner of the two bones between the knee and ankle of the human leg: Compare tibia
the corresponding bone in other vertebrates
a metal brooch resembling a safety pin, often highly decorated, common in Europe after 1300 bc
Origin of fibula
1Derived forms of fibula
- fibular, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for fibula
[ fĭb′yə-lə ]
The smaller of the two bones of the lower leg or lower portion of the hind leg. See more at skeleton.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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