navicular

[ nuh-vik-yuh-ler ]

adjective

1. boat-shaped, as certain bones.

noun

1. Also na·vic·u·lar·e [] the bone at the radial end of the proximal row of the bones of the carpus.
2. the bone in front of the talus on the inner side of the foot.

navicular

adjective

1. shaped like a boat

noun

1. a small boat-shaped bone of the wrist or foot

Word History and Origins

Origin of navicular¹

1535–45; < Late Latin nāviculāris of, relating to shipping, equivalent to Latin nāvicul ( a ) a small ship ( nāvi ( s ) ship + -cula -cule ¹; ) + -āris -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of navicular¹

C16: from Late Latin nāviculāris, from Latin nāvicula, diminutive of nāvis ship

Example Sentences

There was a stress reaction in his navicular bone.

From Los Angeles Times

Fractures in the navicular bone are considered to be a serious injury, often requiring surgery and lengthy recovery periods.

From Los Angeles Times

McVay said a CT scan taken Friday revealed the injury to the navicular bone in Robinson’s foot.

From Seattle Times

Nadal, who has a longstanding foot problem because his navicular bone did not correctly ossify during childhood, was upbeat about his progress after his loss to Harris.

From New York Times

They are used to treat navicular syndrome, an inflammation or degradation of the navicular bone in the front feet that can cause a horse to go lame.

From Los Angeles Times