metatarsus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metatarsus” mean?
The part of the foot between the ankle and the toes, consisting of the five long bones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The part of the foot between the ankle and the toes, consisting of the five long bones.
In vertebrate anatomy, the set of bones (metatarsals) forming the intermediate part of the foot skeleton; in arthropods, the segment of the leg between the tibia and the tarsus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its technical medical/anatomical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “metatarsus” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + metatarsusmetatarsus + [Verb (be/fracture/form)][Preposition (in/of)] + the metatarsusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metatarsus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The metatarsal region was swollen.
- She has a metatarsus deformity.
American English
- The metatarsal bones were imaged.
- He was diagnosed with metatarsus adductus.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, anatomical, and veterinary texts and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used; would be replaced by 'the middle of the foot' or 'the long foot bones'.
Technical
The primary context. Used in medical diagnoses, anatomical descriptions, podiatry, orthopaedics, and zoology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metatarsus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metatarsus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metatarsus”
- Mispronouncing it as 'meta-TAR-sus' (stress on 'tar'). Correct stress is on 'ta' (third syllable).
- Using it as a general term for 'foot'.
- Confusing it with 'tarsus' (the ankle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The tarsus is the cluster of bones that form the ankle and heel. The metatarsus is the group of five long bones that connect the tarsus to the toes.
No, it is a specialised anatomical term. In everyday language, people refer to the 'arch', 'ball', or simply the 'middle' of the foot.
Yes, common injuries include stress fractures (often called 'march fractures'), breaks from impact, or congenital deformities like metatarsus adductus.
'Metatarsus' is a singular noun referring to the whole structure. The individual bones are called 'metatarsals'.
The part of the foot between the ankle and the toes, consisting of the five long bones.
Metatarsus is usually technical/medical/scientific in register.
Metatarsus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtəˈtɑːsəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛdəˈtɑːrsəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'meta-' (beyond or after) + 'tarsus' (the ankle bones). It's the part of the foot just BEYOND the ankle, leading to the toes.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; a concrete anatomical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the metatarsus?