Fracture Meaning and Definition
Fracture
Pronunciation
/ˈfræk.tʃər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A crack or break in a bone, often caused by injury or trauma, which can affect the integrity of the affected area.
Examples
- The doctor diagnosed a fracture in the athlete’s ankle.
- After the accident, the patient was rushed to the hospital with a suspected fracture.
Synonyms
- Break
- Bone Break
- Crack
Antonyms
- Unbroken
- Intact
- Whole
Additional Information
Fractures can be classified as either closed, where the bone breaks but remains under the skin, or open, where the bone breaks and protrudes through the skin. Treatment for fractures typically involves immobilizing the affected area, often with a cast or splint, to allow the bone to heal.
Fractures can also occur in non-bony tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, or cartilage, although these are often referred to as “non-bony fractures” or “soft tissue injuries.”
Etymology
The word “fracture” comes from the Latin “fractura,” meaning “break” or “shattering.”
Usage Notes
When referring to a fracture, it’s essential to be precise about the location and severity of the break, as this can affect treatment and recovery.
Cultural References
Fractures have been depicted in various forms of media, including films like “Cast Away” and “The Money Pit,” and TV shows like “ER” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Fracture” is often used in idiomatic expressions like “fracture the mold” or “fracture the silence,” which refer to breaking free from established norms or patterns.
Related Words or Phrases
Words closely related to “fracture” include “break,” “crack,” and “split,” while phrases like “bone break” and “soft tissue injury” are often used in medical contexts.
Collocations
Common collocations with “fracture” include “broken bone,” “bone fracture,” and “open fracture.”
Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Corpus, “fracture” appears in approximately 0.15% of all written English texts, making it a relatively uncommon but important term in various contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “fracture” include “fracture,” “fracturee,” “fractured,” and “fracturing.”