fibula

Everyday

1. The fibula is the thinner of the two long bones in the lower leg, on the outside, next to the larger shin bone (tibia). tree →
2. (history) A fibula is also an ancient brooch or pin used to fasten clothes, as worn by Romans and Celts. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on the skeleton, the fibula and tibia are the two bones between knee and ankle; the fibula helps support the ankle. In history and museums, Roman fibulae are pins found by archaeologists. Phrases: «a broken fibula», «tibia and fibula».

Examples

• The fibula is the thin bone on the outside of your lower leg. tree →
• He broke his fibula playing football. tree →
• The tibia and fibula sit side by side. tree →
• Archaeologists found a Roman fibula in the field. tree →
• Your fibula connects to your ankle. tree →
• The skeleton model shows the fibula clearly. tree →

Note

Plural: fibulae (Latin) or fibulas. Say «FIB-yoo-luh». Trap: the bigger shin bone is the tibia, not the fibula. Trick: «fibula» is the «little fib», the smaller one.