complete fracture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “complete fracture” mean?
A break in a bone where it is separated into two or more distinct pieces, with no continuity between the fragments.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A break in a bone where it is separated into two or more distinct pieces, with no continuity between the fragments.
In broader technical contexts, can refer to any material (e.g., ceramic, rock) that has broken cleanly into separate parts, creating a total discontinuity. Metaphorically, sometimes used to describe a total break or rupture in relationships or systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional conventions (e.g., 'fracture' is consistent). The concept is medically identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in medical contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American medical literature due to higher overall publication volume, but term usage is identical in frequency within the medical domain in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “complete fracture” in a Sentence
Patient sustained a complete fracture [of + bone]The X-ray revealed a complete fracture [in + bone]A complete fracture [was found]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “complete fracture” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tibia was completely fractured in the accident.
- The impact completely fractured the bone.
American English
- The femur completely fractured under the stress.
- He completely fractured his ankle during the game.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb for 'complete fracture'.]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb for 'complete fracture'.]
adjective
British English
- It was a complete fracture requiring surgical intervention.
- The complete fracture pattern was clearly visible.
American English
- She suffered a complete fracture of the humerus.
- A complete fracture diagnosis means a longer recovery.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, materials science, and engineering papers to describe structural failures.
Everyday
Used primarily when discussing a personal or known injury in layman's terms ("He has a complete fracture in his arm").
Technical
The primary domain. Precise use in radiology reports, orthopedic surgery, and trauma medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complete fracture”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complete fracture”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complete fracture”
- Using 'complete fracture' to describe a very bad but still incomplete break.
- Confusing 'complete' with 'compound' (which means bone breaks the skin).
- Misspelling as 'compleat fracture' (archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Complete' refers to the bone being fully broken through. 'Compound' (or open) means the broken bone pierces the skin. A fracture can be both complete and compound.
It depends on the location, displacement, and the specific bone. Some non-displaced complete fractures can heal with casting, while displaced ones often require surgical reduction and fixation.
The direct medical opposite is an 'incomplete fracture', where the bone is cracked but not separated completely (e.g., greenstick fracture in children).
Rarely. It can be used metaphorically ("a complete fracture in diplomatic relations") or in materials science ("a complete fracture in the ceramic substrate"), but its primary domain remains medical.
A break in a bone where it is separated into two or more distinct pieces, with no continuity between the fragments.
Complete fracture is usually technical / medical in register.
Complete fracture: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˌpliːt ˈfræk.tʃər/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˌpliːt ˈfræk.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The term is purely technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a pencil snapped cleanly in two—COMPLETELY broken. 'Complete fracture' = Complete break.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FAILURE OF INTEGRITY (The structural integrity of the object is fully compromised).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a 'complete fracture'?