funnybone
funnybone Lexical Profile
funnybone Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The part of the back of the elbow where the ulnar nerve runs close to the surface of the humerus, producing a sharp tingling sensation when struck.
"She accidentally bumped her funnybone against the edge of the wooden desk."
A person's sense of humor or capacity to find things amusing.
"The comedian's witty observations really tickled the audience's funnybone."
Word Nuance & Usage
More commonly written as the open compound "funny bone". Despite the name, the sharp tingling sensation is caused by striking the ulnar nerve against the humerus rather than hitting a distinct bone.
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century, referring to the peculiar tingling sensation felt when the ulnar nerve at the elbow is struck, and possibly aided by an anatomical pun on "humerus" (the upper arm bone) and "humorous".