clavi-, clav-

(Latin: key; to enclose, to comprise, to involve; to fit together, or to work together; pertaining to the collarbone [so named because of its keylike shape])

autoclave (verb), autoclaves; autoclaved; autoclaving
1. Using a strong, pressurized, steam-heated vessel, as for laboratory experiments, sterilization, or cooking.
2. Operating a device for heating substances above their boiling point; used to manufacture chemicals or to sterilize surgical instruments.
3. To place into or to put into an autoclave.
autoclaver (s) (noun), autoclavers (pl)
1. An automatically regulated apparatus for the sterilization of objects by steam under pressure.
2. A device for heating substances above their boiling point; used to manufacture chemicals or to sterilize surgical instruments.
clavelization (s) (noun), clavelizations (pl)
Inoculation with the virus of sheep-pox.
claviature (s) (noun), claviatures (pl)
A keyboard or fingering system.
clavichord (s) (noun), clavichords (pl)
1. An early stringed instrument like a piano but with more delicate sounds.
2. An early keyboard instrument with a soft sound produced by small brass wedges striking horizontal strings.
clavicle (s) (noun), clavicles (pl)
1. The bone extending from the breastbone (sternum) at the base of the front of the neck to the shoulder.
2. The long curved bones that connect the upper part of the breastbone with the shoulder blade at the top of each shoulder in humans: "The two clavicles join the top of the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulders and help support the arms."
3. A bone or structure with a function similar to that of the human clavicle in some other animals.

It is reduced or absent in many mammals.

4. Etymology: from Latin clavicula, "small key".

The Collar Bone Known as the Clavicle

There are two bones, each slightly curved like an "f" which join the top of the sternum (breastbone) to the scapula (shoulder blade).

  • The clavicles support the arms and transmit physical forces from the arms to the central skeleton.
  • The ligaments which link the clavicle to the sternum and scapula are considered to be strong and this explains why the clavicle is usually not dislocated; however, it is often broken.
  • Most fractures take place because of a fall on the shoulder or on an outstretched arm.
    • —Compiled from information located in
    The American Medical Association Home Medical Encyclopedia,
    Medical Editor, Charles B. Clayman, MD; Random House;
    New York; 1989; page 283.
    clavicotomy (s) (noun), clavicotomies (pl)
    A surgical division of the collarbone or of the bone that goes across the top of a person's chest from the shoulder to the bottom of the neck.
    clavicula (s) (noun)
    Another term for the clavicle or collar bone.
    clavicular (s) (adjective)
    Relating to the collar bone or the prominent bone that exists between the shoulder and the neck of the body.
    clavicular notch (s) (noun), clavicular notches (pl)
    A depression of each of the higher sides of the body at the upper end of the sternum (long flat bone in the upper middle of the front of the chest) that comes together with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle (collarbone) on each side: "In a romantic gesture, the husband traced the clavicular notch of his beloved with his finger."
    claviculectomy (s) (noun), claviculectomies (pl)
    The surgical removal of all or part of a clavicle which is the bone extending from the breastbone (sternum) at the base of the front of the neck to the shoulder: "A claviculectomy may be performed in some cases of thyroid cancer or other tumors, osteomyelitis of the clavicle, or when there is a limitation of arm movements where the shoulder joint has become fused together."

    Clavical is a misspelling of clavicle.

    clavier (s) (noun), claviers (pl)
    A stringed keyboard instrument, such as a harpsichord: "Additional keyboard instruments include the keyboard of an organ, pianoforte (another term for a piano), or harmonium (reed organ or a small keyboard instrument consisting of a series of reed pipes that produce sound when air is passes through each one with a valve that opens when a key is pressed)."
    clavierist (s) (noun), clavierists (pl)
    Someone who plays a musical instrument with a keyboard.
    clavieristic (adjective)
    Descriptive of the keyboard of a musical instrument.
    claviger (s) (noun), clavigers (pl)
    A person who carries the keys for access to a place.