metatarsus

views updated May 17 2018

met·a·tar·sus / ˌmetəˈtärsəs/ • n. (pl. -si / -sē; -ˌsī/ ) the group of bones in the foot, between the ankle and the toes. ∎  this part of the foot. ∎  the equivalent group of bones in an animal's hind limb.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

metatarsus

views updated Jun 11 2018

metatarsus The foot (or corresponding part of the hindlimb) in terrestrial vertebrates, consisting of a number of rod-shaped bones (metatarsals) that articulate with the bones of the ankle (see tarsus) and those of the toes (see phalanges). The number of metatarsals varies between species: in the basic pentadactyl limb there are five, but this number is reduced in some species.

A Dictionary of Biology

metatarsus

views updated May 18 2018

metatarsus XVII. — modL.; see META-, TARSUS.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

metatarsus

views updated May 17 2018

metatarsus (met-ă-tar-sŭs) n. the five bones of the foot that connect the tarsus (ankle) to the phalanges (toes).

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Metatarsal bones

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