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 ( meta-, carpus ), replacing metacarpium < Greek metakárpion

Example Sentences

A 3�4�5 cm. fibrous mass in the subcutis about the digital flexor tendon on the volar surface of the metacarpus.

From Ecological Studies of the Timber Wolf in Northeastern Minnesota by Frenzel, L. D.

The metacarpus is reduced to a single piece, which in the horse constitutes what is known as the canon.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard

In them not only is the metacarpus turned back, but also the two first phalanges.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard

But the other variations are in the length of the metacarpus, or of the neck, or head.

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

The metacarpus, as a whole, is directed vertically.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard

Related Words

• appendage
• fist
• grip
• palm