metacarpal

[ met-uh-kahr-puhl ]

adjective

, Anatomy.

1. of or relating to the metacarpus.

noun

1. a metacarpal bone.

metacarpal

/ ˌmɛtəˈkɑːpəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the metacarpus

noun

1. a metacarpal bone

metacarpal

/ mĕt′ə-kär′pəl /

1. Any of the bones of the hands in humans or the forelimbs in animals that are located between the carpal bones and the phalanges.

Other Words From

• inter·meta·carpal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metacarpal¹

First recorded in 1730–40; meta- + carpal

Example Sentences

Eight small, bead-like carpal bones connect to the two lower-arm bones—the ulna and the radius—and to the metacarpal bones of the hand.

From Outside Online

The skeletons of the wings of birds, on the other hand, consist of elongated metacarpals, similar to finger bones.

From Science News

Rocket has a “cybernetic skeletal structure, enhanced phalange and metacarpal bones, and a genetically augmented cerebral cortex.”

From The Daily Beast

The great wing finger was bent backward, and only touched the ground where it fitted upon the wing metacarpal bone.

From Project Gutenberg

The metacarpal bones are much longer than the bones of the fore-arm, and about twice the length of the humerus.

From Project Gutenberg

The first digit of the hand in clawed animals has the metacarpal bone short, or shorter than the others.

From Project Gutenberg

Between the first and fifth or wing metacarpal are the three slender metacarpal bones which give attachment to the clawed digits.

From Project Gutenberg

In Pterodactyles the metacarpal bones are, as we have seen, arranged in close contact, and take no part in stretching the wing.

From Project Gutenberg