metacarpus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metacarpus” mean?
The group of five bones in the hand between the wrist (carpus) and the fingers (phalanges), forming the framework of the palm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The group of five bones in the hand between the wrist (carpus) and the fingers (phalanges), forming the framework of the palm.
In anatomy, the intermediate part of the hand skeleton. In veterinary anatomy, the corresponding region in the forelimb of quadruped animals. Can be used metaphorically in specialized contexts to refer to a foundational or supporting structure in engineering or design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Purely anatomical/medical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “metacarpus” in a Sentence
Fracture of the [metacarpus]The [metacarpus] consists of...Pain is localised to the [metacarpus]An X-ray revealed damage to the [metacarpus]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metacarpus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metacarpal ligaments provide stability.
- He suffered a metacarpal fracture in his right hand.
American English
- The metacarpal joints allow for hand mobility.
- She had surgery to repair a metacarpal injury.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, veterinary, and biological sciences.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of medical contexts or specific injuries.
Technical
Standard term in human and comparative anatomy, orthopaedics, radiology, and biomechanics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metacarpus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metacarpus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metacarpus”
- Pronouncing it as 'meta-car-pus' with equal stress (/ˈmɛtəkɑːpəs/) instead of the correct stress on 'car'.
- Using it as a plural (e.g., 'the metacarpus are...'). It is singular; the bones are the metacarpals.
- Confusing it with 'metatarsus' (foot).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The term 'metacarpus' refers to the collective group of five long bones (metacarpals) that form the palm. It is a singular noun for a plural structure.
'Metacarpus' is the singular noun for the whole group. 'Metacarpal' is primarily an adjective (e.g., metacarpal bone) but can also be a noun for an individual bone (e.g., the first metacarpal).
Almost exclusively in a medical context following a hand injury (like a 'boxer's fracture'), during an anatomy course, or when reading detailed veterinary reports.
The stress is on the third syllable: met-uh-KAR-pus. The 'a' in 'car' is like the 'a' in 'father' or 'car'.
The group of five bones in the hand between the wrist (carpus) and the fingers (phalanges), forming the framework of the palm.
Metacarpus is usually technical/scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: META means 'beyond' or 'after', CARPUS is the wrist. So the metacarpus is the structure just beyond the wrist, leading to the fingers.
Conceptual Metaphor
The metacarpus is the ARCHITECTURAL SPAN or BRIDGE between the wrist and fingers.
Practice
Quiz
Which anatomical structure is immediately distal to the metacarpus?