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Dictionary Language resources

scapular

Pronunciation: /ˈskapjʊlə/

Definition of scapular

adjective

Anatomy & Zoology

relating to the shoulder or shoulder blade.

noun

1a short monastic cloak covering the shoulders.
a symbol of affiliation to an ecclesiastical order, consisting of two strips of cloth hanging down the breast and back and joined across the shoulders.

2 Medicine a bandage passing over and around the shoulders.

3 Ornithology a scapular feather.

Origin:

late 15th century (in scapular (sense 1 of the noun)): from late Latin scapulare, from scapula 'shoulder'. The adjective (late 17th century) and the later senses of the noun are from scapula + -ar¹