long bone

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. any of the long, cylindrical, marrow-containing bones of the limbs.

   the long bone of the arm.

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Etymology

Origin of long bone

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The new method, developed in the US, involved placing a lengthening nail - known as a motorised telescopic nail - on the surface of Alfie's femur, the long bone in the thigh.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Fractures of the femur, the long bone in the upper leg, are a widespread injury in humans and are prevalent among elderly individuals.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2024

The fibula, also called the calf bone, is a long bone that runs next to the larger tibia bone, or shin bone.

From Washington Post • Jul. 18, 2022

That is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 1, 2022

At the door I held on to a cell bar like it was the long bone in Rosaleen’s arm.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd