clavicle
UK[ˈklæv.ɪ.kəl]US[ˈklæv.ɪ.kəl]
n
either of the two bones that connect the breastbone to the shoulder blades; the collarbone.
Morpheme Breakdown
clav
icle
clav
key
icle
small thing
Etymology
the word clavicle originates from the latin 'clavicula', a diminutive form of 'clavis', meaning 'key'. this anatomical term was used because the bone's shape was thought to resemble a small key or a latchkey. the romans saw a visual similarity between the s-shaped collarbone and the old-fashioned skeleton keys used in their time. over centuries, this descriptive latin term was adopted directly into scientific and medical english, preserving both its form and its evocative, literal imagery.
Analysis
Structure: clav (key) + icle (small thing)
clav is from latin 'clavis', meaning 'key'. icle is a diminutive suffix from latin '-iculus', indicating a small thing.
Examples
he fractured his clavicle during a cycling accident.
the surgeon carefully set the broken ends of the clavicle.
you can feel your clavicle just above your upper chest.