humerus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2/Professional)Technical/Scientific, Medical
Quick answer
What does “humerus” mean?
The long bone in the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The long bone in the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.
In anatomy, the humerus articulates with the scapula at the shoulder and the radius and ulna at the elbow. In broader biological contexts, it refers to the corresponding bone in the forelimb of other vertebrates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical/neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside specialized fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “humerus” in a Sentence
The humerus [VERB] (e.g., articulates, extends, fractures)[ADJ] humerus (e.g., proximal, fractured, avian)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “humerus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- humeral (relating to the humerus)
American English
- humeral (relating to the humerus)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in anatomy, biology, medicine, physiotherapy, and paleontology textbooks and research.
Everyday
Rarely used. In casual conversation, people say 'I broke my arm' not 'I fractured my humerus'.
Technical
The primary context. Used in medical diagnoses, surgical reports, veterinary science, and comparative anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “humerus”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “humerus”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈhʌm.ər.əs/ (like 'humorous').
- Using it in everyday conversation where 'arm' is sufficient.
- Misspelling as 'humorous'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Humerus' is pronounced /ˈhjuː.mər.əs/ (HYOO-muh-ruhs), with a long 'u'. 'Humorous' is pronounced /ˈhjuː.mər.əs/ (HYOO-muh-ruhs) in careful speech but often /ˈhjuːm.rəs/ (HYOOM-ruhs). The stress pattern is the same, but the vowel in the first syllable differs in length and quality for many speakers.
It's technically correct but highly marked. In non-medical contexts, it sounds overly clinical. Use 'arm bone' or simply 'arm' (e.g., 'I broke my arm').
The plural is 'humeri', pronounced /ˈhjuː.mə.raɪ/.
The humerus is the bone of the upper arm. The femur is the bone of the upper leg (thigh bone). They are analogous long bones in different limbs.
The long bone in the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.
Humerus is usually technical/scientific, medical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HUMERUS' – the bone that runs from your 'HUM' (shoulder) to where you 'REST' your elbow.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; the term is a precise anatomical label.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the humerus?