scapular
UK[ˈskapjʊlə]US[ˈskæpjələr]
adj
Relating to the shoulder or shoulder blade.
n
A short cloak worn by monks, consisting of a piece of cloth over the shoulders.
n
A feather or group of feathers growing from the shoulder of a bird.
Morpheme Breakdown
scapul
ar
scapul
shoulder
ar
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
The word 'scapular' originates from the Late Latin term scapulare, which was a type of garment worn over the shoulders. This, in turn, derives from the classical Latin scapula, meaning 'shoulder' or 'shoulder blade'. The anatomical sense directly reflects this Latin root, describing anything pertaining to that body part. The religious and ornithological meanings are extensions of this core idea, both relating to objects (a monk's cloak or a bird's feathers) that are situated on or cover the shoulders.
Analysis
Structure: scapul (shoulder) + ar (adjective-forming suffix)
scapul (from Latin scapula, meaning 'shoulder, shoulder blade'); ar (a Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'pertaining to, of the nature of').
Examples
The patient complained of pain in the scapular region.
As part of his habit, the Carmelite friar wore a brown scapular.
The bird's brilliant blue scapular feathers were clearly visible.