carpal

American  

[kahr-puhl] / ˈkɑr pəl /

adjective

1. pertaining to the carpus.

   the carpal joint.

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noun

1. a carpale.

carpal British  

/ ˈkɑːpəl /

noun

1. Also: carpale. 

   1. any bone of the wrist

   2. ( as modifier )

      carpal bones

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carpal Scientific  

/ kär′pəl /

1. Relating to or involving the wrist.

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1. Any of the bones of the human wrist or the joint corresponding to the wrist in some other vertebrates, such as dinosaurs.

Other Word Forms

• intercarpal adjective
• supercarpal adjective

Etymology

Origin of carpal

From the New Latin word carpālis, dating back to 1735–45. See carpus, -al ¹

Example Sentences

And don’t get me started on my strained hand with carpal tunnel syndrome from all the clicking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Other restricted procedures include liposuction, breast reduction, removal of breast implants, carpal tunnel and tattoo removal.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025

Court records show he had thyroid problems, diabetes, kidney failure, carpal tunnel syndrome and high cholesterol.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2024

I await transfer to the hospital for a carpal tunnel appointment.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2023

My back feels fine, meaning I’m not feeling it at all; even my wrists, damaged by carpal tunnel syndrome years ago, are issuing no complaints.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich