Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

calcaneus

American  
[kal-key-nee-uhs] / kælˈkeɪ ni əs /

noun

calcanei plural
  1. Anatomy. the largest tarsal bone, forming the prominence of the heel.

  2. Zoology. the corresponding bone in other vertebrates.


calcaneus British  
/ kælˈkeɪnɪəm, kælˈkeɪnɪəs /

noun

  1. Nontechnical name: heel bone.  the largest tarsal bone, forming the heel in man

  2. the corresponding bone in other vertebrates

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of calcaneus

1920–25; < Late Latin: heel, noun use of calcāneus of the heel; see calcaneum

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While some ankle fractures can heal in weeks, a broken calcaneus has a longer recovery time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2024

The calcaneus is more commonly known as the heel bone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2024

Capela is dealing with a right calcaneus contusion and plantar fasciitis in his foot, while Labissiere is rehabbing a left-knee injury.

From Reuters • Feb. 19, 2020

Figure 9.38 The Achilles tendon of the posterior leg serves to attach plantaris, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles to calcaneus bone.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

In talipes calcaneus the toes are pointed upwards and the foot rests on the heel.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5 "Clervaux" to "Cockade" by Various

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "calcaneus" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com