heel bone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (Medical/Anatomy)/Everyday (when discussing specific injuries or health)
Quick answer
What does “heel bone” mean?
The large, roughly rectangular bone at the back of the human foot that forms the prominence of the heel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The large, roughly rectangular bone at the back of the human foot that forms the prominence of the heel.
Specifically the calcaneus bone in anatomy; in broader or metaphorical usage, it can signify the foundational or rear-most support structure of an object or system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'heel bone'. The technical term 'calcaneus' is universal in medical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral anatomical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, except within medical, podiatric, or fitness contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “heel bone” in a Sentence
The {patient} fractured their {heel bone}.The {anatomy} of the {heel bone} is complex.{Pain} originates from the {heel bone}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heel bone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- He suffered a heel-bone fracture.
- The heel-bone anatomy was clearly visible on the scan.
American English
- She had heel bone surgery.
- The heel bone structure is crucial for arch support.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, biological, and physical therapy texts and lectures.
Everyday
Used when discussing specific injuries, foot pain, or medical diagnoses.
Technical
Core term in anatomy, orthopaedics, podiatry, radiology, and sports medicine.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heel bone”
- Mispronouncing as 'hill bone'.
- Incorrect plural: 'heels bone' instead of 'heel bones'.
- Confusing with other foot bones like the 'talus' (ankle bone).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'heel bone' is the common English name for the 'calcaneus', which is the formal Latin-derived anatomical term.
Yes, a heel bone (calcaneus) fracture is a serious injury, often caused by high-impact events like falls from height or car accidents.
It is the point where the body's weight transfers to the ground. It acts as a lever for the calf muscles via the Achilles tendon and absorbs the shock of walking, running, and jumping.
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('heel bone'). It can be hyphenated ('heel-bone') when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'heel-bone injury').
The large, roughly rectangular bone at the back of the human foot that forms the prominence of the heel.
Heel bone is usually technical (medical/anatomy)/everyday (when discussing specific injuries or health) in register.
Heel bone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːl ˌbəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiːl ˌboʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; related idiom: 'dig in one's heels' (to become stubborn) is metaphorical and not anatomical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Achilles heel' – the tendon attaches to the HEEL BONE. If you're 'heeling' from an injury, it might be your heel bone.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION/SUPPORT (The heel bone supports the entire body's weight when standing).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary anatomical function of the heel bone?