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Fibulae Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fibulae

[หˆfษชbjสŠleษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

The fibula is one of the two bones in the lower leg, parallel to the tibia. It is a slender bone that stabilizes the ankle joint and supports the muscles of the lower leg.

Synonyms

calf bone.

Examples of usage

  • The fibula is often referred to as the calf bone.
  • Fractures of the fibula are common in sports injuries.
  • The fibula plays a crucial role in ankle stability.
Context #2 | Noun

historical artifact

Fibulae are brooches or pin-like fasteners used in antiquity, often made from metal. They were primarily used for fastening garments and can be considered precursors to modern safety pins.

Synonyms

brooch, pin.

Examples of usage

  • Archaeologists uncovered many fibulae at the ancient site.
  • Roman fibulae were often beautifully decorated.
  • The fibula was an essential accessory in Roman clothing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The fibula is the smaller of two bones in the lower leg, the other being the tibia, which bears most of the weight.
  • Fibulae play a crucial role in stabilizing the ankle joint and support muscles responsible for movements such as walking and running.

Cultural Significance

  • In ancient Rome, fibulae were also decorative brooches used to fasten togas and garments, showing the overlap between fashion and function.
  • The design of some fibulae from ancient times is still studied by archaeologists to understand historical clothing and social status.

Medical Relevance

  • Fractures of the fibula can occur in sports or accidents, often requiring stabilization to heal properly.
  • Because the fibula is not the main weight-bearing bone, injuries may allow for some movement and activity if not severe.

Evolution

  • In human evolution, the fibulae evolved to support bipedal locomotion, allowing better balance and movement upright.
  • Comparative anatomy shows that animals with different modes of locomotion have adapted their fibule structure accordingly.

Origin of 'fibulae'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fibula' comes from Latin, meaning 'a clasp or brooch', indicating the bone's shape resembling a pin.
  • The term is thought to have been used because the fibula holds the structure of the leg together like a clasp would hold clothes.

The term 'fibula' derives from the Latin word 'fibula', meaning 'a clasp, brooch, or pin'. It originally referred to a type of fastening device used in ancient Roman and Greek clothing, which served both functional and decorative purposes. The use of fibulae dates back to the Iron Age and they were widely used until the fall of the Roman Empire. In anatomy, the usage of the term was established in the late 19th century when comparative anatomy made clear distinctions between the bones of the lower leg. Thus, fibula came to represent the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg, separated from the more robust tibia, linking its use in both historical and modern contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,356, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.