ulna
Americannoun
-
Anatomy. the bone of the forearm on the side opposite to the thumb.
-
a corresponding bone in the forelimb of other vertebrates.
noun
-
the inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm
-
the corresponding bone in other vertebrates
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of ulna
1835–45; < Latin: elbow; akin to Greek ōlénē, Old English eln ell 2
Explanation
Your ulna is a bone in your arm — it sits in the forearm beside the radius bone, connecting your pinky finger to your elbow. The ulna is longer than the radius, and you need it for things like turning a car's steering wheel and throwing a ball. Because the ulna extends to the very tip of the elbow, it's sometimes called the "elbow bone," and in fact ulna means "elbow" in Latin. Most animals have an ulna, although it's often at least partially fused to the radius.
Vocabulary lists containing ulna
Human Anatomy and Physiology - High School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Human Anatomy and Physiology - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
Author Sadassa Ulna writes, "Out of all my personal recipes, this one is The Recipe I Want to Be Remembered For, because it is so loved by my husband and kids."
From Salon • Nov. 16, 2021
Figure 8.6 Ulna and Radius The ulna is located on the medial side of the forearm, and the radius is on the lateral side.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
"Before this time," said Ulna, speaking with the calmness that distinguished all he said, "the valley is flooded and the horses up there are drowned."
From Lost in the Ca?on by Calhoun, Alfred R.
"Listen to me," said Ulna, laying his hand on the Apache's shoulder and speaking in a firm but kindly tone.
From Lost in the Ca?on by Calhoun, Alfred R.
"He and Hank Tims are prisoners at Hurley's Gulch," said Ulna.
From Lost in the Ca?on by Calhoun, Alfred R.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
