Comminuted

/ˈkɒmɪnjuːtɪd/ adjective

Definition

Broken or ground down into very small pieces or fine powder; existing in a finely divided state.

Etymology

Past participle of comminute, from Latin comminutus. Widely used in medical terminology, especially in fracture descriptions, since the 19th century.

Kelly Says

A 'comminuted fracture' is when a bone shatters into multiple fragments—the term comes from the same root as 'minute' (small), not 'minute' (time)!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.