simple fracture
1
3.5
- noun
- /ˈsɪmpl ˈfræktʃər/
- Specialized
:
fractura simple
- The focus is on teaching trainees how to adapt a fixation plate and apply screws to fix a simple fracture line.
Examples
-
During the examination, the radiologist pointed out that it was just a simple fracture, despite the pain.
-
Appears to be a cleaner break this time, probably a simple fracture.
-
A simple fracture, sir.
-
"It's a simple fracture."
Fiction book (1993) -
It was a simple fracture, no bone showing, but somebody was going to have to inject a blob of orthostat glue into the crack and set it before old Truck here was going to do much walking around without screaming in pain every step.
Fiction book (1991) -
The doctor confirmed that he had a simple fracture that would heal on its own.
-
After the game, she learned that she sustained a simple fracture in her wrist.
Synonyms
1
4.1
A broken bone that does not break the skin
Antonyms
- Specialized
6
6.0
A broken bone that tears through the skin, causing an open wound and a risk of infection
How Severe
- Specialized
1
8.1
- Specialized
6
6.0
66
1.0
- Specialized
1
3.5
9
5.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'simple' (= uncomplicated) modifies 'fracture' (= break), so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it as an uncomplicated bone break. The precise clinical detail that the skin is not pierced is a technical nuance, but the general sense is transparently derivable from the constituents.
Etymology
Simple fracture: The medical name simple fracture gives a clear picture: simple means 'not open' and fracture means 'a break', so it is a bone break that stays inside the body. That's why it means 'a broken bone that does not pierce the skin'.