Scapula
/ˈskæp.jʊ.lə/noun
The flat bone that forms the back part of the shoulder in humans and many animals.
Did you know?The term 'scapula' is derived from the Latin word for 'spade' or 'shovel', suggesting a tool used for digging or crafting, hinting at ancient connections to labor and sacrifice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*(s)keḱ-
“to cut or split, reflecting the tool-like nature of the bone.”
Latin
Latin
scapula
“shoulder blade, literally 'spade' or 'shovel', alluding to its shape.”
Old French
Old French
escapule
“a derivative form referring to shoulder, maintaining the connection to the Latin root.”
Middle English
Middle English
scapule
“adopted from Latin, retaining its reference to the shoulder.”
Modern English
English
scapula
“the anatomical term for the shoulder blade, now widely used in medicine.”