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Metatarsal: meaning, definitions and examples

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metatarsal

 

[ ˌmɛtəˈtɑːrsəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy, bones

The metatarsal bones are the long bones in the foot that connect the toes to the tarsal bones of the ankle. There are five metatarsals in each foot, and they play a crucial role in weight-bearing and movement during walking and running.

Synonyms

foot bone, tarsal bone

Examples of usage

  • The athlete suffered a fracture in one of his metatarsals.
  • She stubbed her toe and felt pain in her metatarsal area.
  • Orthopedic doctors often examine the metatarsal bones for injuries.

Translations

Translations of the word "metatarsal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metatarso

🇮🇳 मेटाटार्सल

🇩🇪 Mittelfußknochen

🇮🇩 metatarsal

🇺🇦 метатарс

🇵🇱 śródstopie

🇯🇵 中足骨

🇫🇷 métatarsien

🇪🇸 metatarsiano

🇹🇷 metatarsal

🇰🇷 중족골

🇸🇦 عظام مشط القدم

🇨🇿 metatarzální

🇸🇰 metatarzálny

🇨🇳 跖骨

🇸🇮 metatarzalno

🇮🇸 miðfótabein

🇰🇿 метатарс

🇬🇪 მეტატარსალი

🇦🇿 metatarsal

🇲🇽 metatarsiano

Word origin

The term 'metatarsal' originates from the New Latin 'metatarsalis', which comes from the Greek 'meta', meaning 'beyond', and 'tarsos', which refers to the flat part of the foot. The prefix 'meta-' is used in various contexts to indicate a change or transformation. In this case, it denotes the bones beyond the tarsal bones, indicating their location in the structure of the foot. The word has been in use since the mid-19th century as anatomical studies advanced and the understanding of human anatomy became more detailed. The metatarsals are crucial for bipedal locomotion as they provide support and balance, allowing us to walk efficiently.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,848, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.