coffin bone

noun

1. the terminal phalanx in the foot of the horse and allied animals, enclosed in the hoof.

coffin bone

noun

1. the terminal phalangeal bone inside the hoof of the horse and similar animals

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffin bone¹

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

The tissue between the hoof and the coffin bone, the lowest bone in a horse, becomes inflamed and in the some cases the two parts separate.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s when the connective tissues between the hoof and the coffin bone are compromised and the coffin bone rotates toward the sole of the hoof.”

From Literature

“If this horse keeps working, his coffin bone will rotate until it punctures his sole, and then you’ll lose him,” I say unequivocally.

From Literature

There was no movement of the coffin bone, within the hoof wall.

From New York Times

In these cases the injury is generally close to the horn, and often involves the coronary band, the sensitive laminæ, the extensor tendon, and even the coffin bone.

From Project Gutenberg