fracture
Meaning: A break or crack in a bone, or the act of breaking something. Also used figuratively to describe a split or division within a group or system.
Fracture is used across medical, geological, and figurative contexts. In medicine, types include compound fracture (bone pierces skin), stress fracture (from repeated strain), and hairline fracture (a fine crack). Figuratively, it describes divisions in relationships, alliances, or societies. Common collocations include 'fracture a bone,' 'fractured relationship,' and 'fracture line.'
Examples
- The X-ray confirmed a hairline fracture of the left wrist. X光检查确认左手腕有一条细微骨折线。La radiografía confirmó una microfractura de la muñeca izquierda.X線検査で左手首の線状骨折が確認された。X선 검사에서 왼쪽 손목의 선상골절이 확인되었다.
- The scandal threatened to fracture the coalition beyond repair. 那桩丑闻有可能使该联合政权遭受无法修复的分裂。El escándalo amenazaba con fracturar la coalición de manera irreparable.そのスキャンダルは連立政権を修復不能なほどに分裂させる恐れがあった。그 스캔들은 연립정권을 회복 불능할 정도로 분열시킬 위험이 있었다.
- Stress fractures are common among long-distance runners who increase their mileage too quickly. 应力性骨折在过快增加训练里程的长跑运动员中十分常见。Las fracturas por estrés son frecuentes entre los corredores de larga distancia que incrementan el kilometraje demasiado rápido.疲労骨折は走行距離を急激に増やした長距離ランナーによく見られる。피로골절은 주행 거리를 너무 급격히 늘린 장거리 주자에게 흔히 발생한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: medical, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin fractura (a break), from frangere (to break). Entered English in the 15th century via Old French.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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