Definition

Noun: * Either of two flat triangular bones one on each side of the shoulder in human beings: The "shoulder blade" is the large, flat, triangular bone located in the upper back. Its medical term is the scapula. It connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the collarbone (clavicle) and provides attachment points for many muscles.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After the fall, he felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder blade.
  • The anatomy diagram clearly showed the position of the shoulder blade.
  • Strong back muscles help stabilize the shoulder blades.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a chip on one's shoulder blade": This is a playful, non-standard variation of the idiom "to have a chip on one's shoulder," which means to be habitually angry or defensive, as if ready to fight. The mention of "shoulder blade" is used for humorous or descriptive effect.
  • He's had a chip on his shoulder blade ever since he lost the competition.

Variants and Related Words

• Scapula (n): The formal medical and anatomical term for the shoulder blade.
  • The surgeon examined the X-ray of the fractured scapula.
• Scapular (adj): Relating to the shoulder or shoulder blade.
  • The patient underwent scapular muscle training.

Synonyms

• Scapula: The direct anatomical synonym.
• Blade bone: An older or less common term.

Related Phrases

• Shoulder blade pain: A common phrase describing discomfort in the scapular region.
  • Prolonged poor posture can lead to shoulder blade pain.
• Winged scapula: A medical condition where the shoulder blade protrudes from the back.
  • The nerve injury resulted in a winged scapula.

Related Idioms

• To put one's shoulder to the wheel: To work very hard at a task. (This idiom uses "shoulder," not specifically "shoulder blade," but is related to the general shoulder area).
  • If we all put our shoulders to the wheel, we can finish this project on time.

Noun

1. either of two flat triangular bones one on each side of the shoulder in human beings