metatarsus

noun

meta·​tar·​sus ˌme-tə-ˈtär-səs How to pronounce metatarsus (audio)
: the metatarsal part of a human foot or of a hind foot in quadrupeds

Examples of metatarsus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Its metatarsus, the bone between the ankle and toes, was surprisingly short and stocky, like that of an owl. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2011 Earlier ones like Sinornithosaurus had a relatively long metatarsus. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2011

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metatarsus was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near metatarsus

Cite this Entry

“Metatarsus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metatarsus. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

metatarsus

noun
meta·​tar·​sus ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səs How to pronounce metatarsus (audio)
: the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds that is between the tarsus and phalanges, contains when all the digits are present (as in humans) five more or less elongated bones but is modified in many animals with loss or reduction of some bones or fusing of others, and in humans forms the instep
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