navicular

American  

[nuh-vik-yuh-ler] / nəˈvɪk yə lər /

adjective

1. boat-shaped, as certain bones.

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noun

1. Also naviculare the bone at the radial end of the proximal row of the bones of the carpus.

2. the bone in front of the talus on the inner side of the foot.

navicular British  

adjective

1. shaped like a boat

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noun

1. a small boat-shaped bone of the wrist or foot

Etymology

Origin of navicular

1535–45; < Late Latin nāviculāris of, relating to shipping, equivalent to Latin nāvicul ( a ) a small ship ( nāvi ( s ) ship + -cula -cule ¹; ) + -āris -ar ¹

Example Sentences

Fractures in the navicular bone are considered to be a serious injury, often requiring surgery and lengthy recovery periods.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2022

This is when Pelluer broke a navicular bone in his foot, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 23, 2018

She had broken the navicular, a small but significant bone on the top of her left foot.

From The Guardian • Apr. 21, 2018

A navicular stress fracture cut her college running career short.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2018

There is nothing to encourage a favorable prognosis, and a not unusual termination is an anchylosis with either the navicular bone or the coronet.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.