metatarsal

1 of 2

adjective

meta·​tar·​sal ˌme-tə-ˈtär-səl How to pronounce metatarsal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot

metatarsal

2 of 2

noun

: a metatarsal bone

Examples of metatarsal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
United expect Yoro to miss three months with a metatarsal fracture and Hojlund six weeks with a hamstring issue. James McNicholas, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024 In addition to bunions and flat feet, our tester often experiences pain in the ball of her right foot — a condition that can be common in older people as the padding in the metatarsal area wears down with age. Trina Gray, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024
Noun
The bones used are those of cattle—in particular, metacarpals and metatarsals, which are found in the lower limbs. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 Troodons had long shin bones and long metatarsals, or the bones that are in the flats of the foot, says Persons. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metatarsal 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1703, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metatarsal was in 1702

Dictionary Entries Near metatarsal

Cite this Entry

“Metatarsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metatarsal. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

metatarsal

1 of 2 adjective
meta·​tar·​sal ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səl How to pronounce metatarsal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the part of the foot in human beings or of the hind foot in a four-footed animal that is located between the tarsal bones and the toes

metatarsal

2 of 2 noun
: any of the metatarsal bones of which there are five in human beings

Medical Definition

metatarsal

1 of 2 adjective
meta·​tar·​sal ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səl How to pronounce metatarsal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot

metatarsal

2 of 2 noun
: a metatarsal bone

More from Merriam-Webster on metatarsal

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