metacarpus

American  

[met-uh-kahr-puhs] / ˌmɛt əˈkɑr pəs /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

metacarpi

1. the part of a hand or forelimb, especially of its bony structure, included between the wrist, or carpus, and the fingers, or phalanges.

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metacarpus British  

/ ˌmɛtəˈkɑːpəs /

noun

1. the skeleton of the hand between the wrist and the fingers, consisting of five long bones

2. the corresponding bones in other vertebrates

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Etymology

Origin of metacarpus

1670–80; < New Latin ( see meta-, carpus), replacing metacarpium < Greek metakárpion

Example Sentences

The premaxillae are either small and separated in front, or rudimentary; and the first phalange of the middle finger when in repose is laid back on the metacarpus.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 2 "Chicago, University of" to "Chiton" by Various

In the horse, for example, whose metacarpus is long, and in which but one digit is apparent, the humerus is very short.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard

The whole finger is preserved in other specimens straightened out so as to be in line with the metacarpus.

From Dragons of the Air An Account of Extinct Flying Reptiles by Seeley, H. G.

These three portions are the homologues of the carpus, the metacarpus, and the fingers, which, as we have already seen in the case of the hand, are the osseous groups which form its skeleton.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard

The external rudimentary metatarsal is better developed than the internal; in the metacarpus the reverse is the case.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard

Related Words

• appendage
• fist
• grip
• palm