Fracture
/ˈfræk.tʃɚ/noun
A break, rupture, or crack in a solid object or material.
Did you know?In medieval alchemy, the act of breaking or fracturing was often seen as a necessary step in transforming base materials into gold, symbolizing profound change and rebirth.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
fractura
“the act of breaking”
Late Latin
Late Latin
fracturare
“to break, shatter”
Old French
Old French
fracture
“a breaking; a break”
Middle English
Middle English
fracture
“a break or rupture in a physical object”
Modern English
English
fracture
“the result of breaking, often used in medical contexts to describe broken bones.”