long bone

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. any of the long, cylindrical, marrow-containing bones of the limbs.

   the long bone of the arm.

---

Etymology

Origin of long bone

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The new method, developed in the US, involved placing a lengthening nail - known as a motorised telescopic nail - on the surface of Alfie's femur, the long bone in the thigh.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Fractures of the femur, the long bone in the upper leg, are a widespread injury in humans and are prevalent among elderly individuals.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2024

That is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 1, 2022

Regulars let the owner know they wanted to see a few Tosca signatures — the veal chop with its elegant long bone, agnolotti del plin — on their return.

From Washington Post • Jun. 22, 2021

Val patted the long bone knife on her hip.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin