fibula
(ˈfɪbjʊlə)
Pl. fibulæ, -as.
[a. L. fībula, f. fīgĕre to fix, or the synonymous fīvĕre (Festus).]
‖ 1. Antiq. A clasp, buckle, or brooch.
| 1673 Ray Journ. Low C. 346 Rings, Fibulæ and abundance of other implements. 1736 Pope Let. to Cromwell 30 Dec. 1710, His robe might be subnected with a Fibula. 1831 Wordsw. Highland Broach, The Fibula, whose shape..Still in the Highland Broach is seen. 1851 D. Wilson Preh. Ann. (1863) I. vii. 226 A small fibula of bone. 1869 T. Nichols Handy Bk. Brit. Mus. 349 There is also a large collection of fibulas or garment-fastenings. |
2. Anat. The long or splint bone on the outer side of the leg (app. from its resemblance to the tongue of a clasp, of which the tibia forms the other part).
| 1706 in Phillips (ed. Kersey). 1741 Monro Anat. (ed. 3) 287 The sharpest Angle of the Fibula is anterior. 1831 R. Knox Cloquet's Anat. 377 It arises..from the fore part of the inner surface of the fibula. 1872 Mivart Elem. Anat. 183 The femur does not articulate with the fibula. |