ulna

[ uhl-nuh ]

noun

, plural ul·nae [uhl, -nee], ul·nas.

1. Anatomy. the bone of the forearm on the side opposite to the thumb. Compare radius ( def 7 ).
2. a corresponding bone in the forelimb of other vertebrates.

ulna

/ ˈʌlnə /

noun

1. the inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm
2. the corresponding bone in other vertebrates

Derived Forms

• ˈulnar, adjective

Other Words From

• ulnar adjective
• post·ulnar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ulna¹

1835–45; < Latin: elbow; akin to Greek ōlénē, Old English eln ell ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of ulna¹

C16: from Latin: elbow, ell ¹

Example Sentences

In birds the ulna supports the great feathers of the wing, and this may account for the size of the bone.

From Project Gutenberg

The radius and ulna are parallel in the most natural position of supination.

From Project Gutenberg

This plate shows an attempt to wire the ulna in a clean wound.

From Project Gutenberg

After this we soon find that land is occasionally measured by the iron ulna of the king.

From Project Gutenberg

In medieval documents the Latin name for it is ulna, and probably the oldest English name for it is eln, elle, ell.

From Project Gutenberg