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Metatarsi: meaning, definitions and examples

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metatarsi

 

[ ˌmɛtəˈtɑrsaɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

Metatarsi are the long bones in the middle of the foot that connect the toes to the tarsal bones. There are five metatarsal bones in each foot, and they play a crucial role in the structure and function of the foot during walking, running, and jumping.

Synonyms

metatarsal bones, midfoot bones

Examples of usage

  • Metatarsi provide balance while standing.
  • Injuries to the metatarsi can lead to pain and difficulty walking.
  • The alignment of the metatarsi affects overall foot health.

Translations

Translations of the word "metatarsi" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metatarsos

🇮🇳 मेटाटार्सल

🇩🇪 Mittelfußknochen

🇮🇩 metatarsal

🇺🇦 метатарс

🇵🇱 metatarsus

🇯🇵 中足骨

🇫🇷 métatarsien

🇪🇸 metatarso

🇹🇷 metatars

🇰🇷 중족골

🇸🇦 العظام المشطية

🇨🇿 zánártní kost

🇸🇰 metatarzálne kosti

🇨🇳 跖骨

🇸🇮 metatarzalna kost

🇮🇸 miðfótarbein

🇰🇿 метатарс

🇬🇪 მეტატარსი

🇦🇿 metatars

🇲🇽 metatarso

Word origin

The term 'metatarsi' comes from the Latin word 'metatarsus,' which itself is derived from the Greek 'metatarsion.' The prefix 'meta-' meaning 'beyond' or 'after' is combined with 'tarsus,' which refers to the flat part of the foot. The collective use of 'metatarsi' refers specifically to the five elongated bones located between the tarsal bones and the phalanges (toe bones). The understanding of these bones has been crucial in both anatomy and medicine, contributing to discussions around foot mechanics and various foot-related injuries. The study of metatarsi also sheds light on the evolution of bipedalism in humans, as their structure allows for efficient weight distribution and mobility.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,867, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.