metatarsal

[ met-uh-tahr-suhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the metatarsus, the part of the foot that includes the bones between the ankle and toes.

noun

1. a bone in the metatarsus.

metatarsal

/ ˌmɛtəˈtɑːsəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the metatarsus

noun

1. any bone of the metatarsus

metatarsal

/ mĕt′ə-tär′səl /

1. Any of the bones of the feet in humans or the back feet in animals that are located between the tarsal bones and the phalanges.

Other Words From

• meta·tarsal·ly adverb
• inter·meta·tarsal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metatarsal¹

First recorded in 1730–40; meta- + tarsal

Example Sentences

Eriksson's insistence backfired as a frustrated Rooney, not fully fit after breaking a metatarsal bone in his foot playing for United and nowhere near his best, was sent off for stamping on Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho in that quarter-final exit in Gelsenkirchen.

From BBC

Wayne Rooney was England's 18-year-old talisman at Euro 2004, but fans were left wondering what might have been when he had to come off injured during a quarter-final loss to Portugal, having broken a metatarsal bone in his right foot.

From BBC

Just months before the 2006 World Cup, the former Manchester United forward once again fractured a metatarsal bone in the same foot.

From BBC

His left knee is the most important body part in British sport since David Beckham's metatarsal.

From BBC

A joint that is becoming cricket's version of David Beckham's metatarsal and will be cut open, hopefully fixed and sealed back up by the end of next week.

From BBC