humerus

[ hyoo-mer-uhsor, often, yoo- ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural hu·mer·i [hyoo, -m, uh, -rahy, yoo, -].

1. the long bone in the arm of humans extending from the shoulder to the elbow.
2. brachium.
3. Zoology. a corresponding bone, structure, or region in the forelimbs of other animals or in the wings of birds or insects.

humerus

/ ˈhjuːmərəs /

noun

1. the bone that extends from the shoulder to the elbow
2. the corresponding bone in other vertebrates

humerus

/ hyo̅o̅′mər-əs /

, Plural humeri hyo̅o̅′mər-ī′

1. The bone of the upper arm or the upper portion of the foreleg.
2. See more at skeleton

Word History and Origins

Origin of humerus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin ( h ) umerus shoulder; cognate with Greek ômos, Gothic ams, Sanskrit ámsas

Word History and Origins

Origin of humerus¹

C17: from Latin umerus; related to Gothic ams shoulder, Greek ōmos

Example Sentences

A humerus bone fracture near the elbow is a common injury among children who fall.

From Science Daily

Among several examples: blood loss triggered rapid red blood cell production in the sternum, tibia, vertebrae, and humerus -- but not in the skull.

From Science Daily

However, about ten men from the hospital had symmetrical humeri, yet they had no signs of a poor upbringing, limited growth, or chronic illness.

From Science Daily

The UCL connects the humerus bone to ulna bone at the elbow.

From Seattle Times

Thicker bones, like the femur and humerus, tend to better withstand heat.

From Los Angeles Times