hamate

American  

[hey-meyt] / ˈheɪ meɪt /

adjective

Anatomy.

1. hook-shaped.

2. having a hooklike process.

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hamate British  

/ ˈheɪmeɪt /

adjective

1. rare hook-shaped

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Etymology

Origin of hamate

1735–45; < Latin hāmātus hooked, equivalent to hām ( us ) hook + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

“That may make a noticeable difference in a professional athlete,” said Dr. Tom DiLiberti, an orthopaedic surgeon in Dallas who performs hamate procedures on major leaguers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Unlike Tommy John surgery, which usually sidelines pitchers for around 18 months, players who undergo hamate operations typically return to the field within eight weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Angels: Trout took swings off a tee before the game as he tries to return from a left hamate fracture before the end of the season.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2023

Nationals: C Riley Adams underwent surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist.

From Washington Times • Sep. 11, 2023

Spores of Bacidia umbrina to illustrate the several-celled, hyaline, hamate or spirally twisted type.

From Ohio Biological Survey, Bull. 10, Vol. 11, No. 6 The Ascomycetes of Ohio IV and V by Hilker, Leafy Jane Corrington