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Definition of metatarsal

metatarsal

/ˌmɛtəˈtɑːrsəl/
met · a · tar · sal
Plural:metatarsals
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metatarsal Lexical Profile

metatarsal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of the five long bones in the human foot (or corresponding bones in the hind foot of other vertebrates) located between the ankle (tarsus) and the toes (phalanges).

Example

"The soccer player was sidelined for six weeks after fracturing a metatarsal during the championship match."

• adjective

1

Relating to or situated in the metatarsus, the part of the foot between the ankle and the toes.

Example

"The orthopedic surgeon examined the X-ray to check for a stress fracture in the patient's metatarsal region."

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'metatarsal' (relating to the bones in the foot between the ankle and toes) with 'metacarpal' (relating to the corresponding bones in the hand between the wrist and fingers).

• Rhymes for metatarsal

• Nearby Words

metapneumovirus
metasequoia
metastasize
metatarsal
metaverse
meteor
meteoric

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 17th century from Modern Latin 'metatarsus' plus the suffix '-al', combining the Greek prefix 'meta-' (meaning 'beyond') and 'tarsos' (meaning 'flat of the foot' or 'ankle').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Metatarsal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/metatarsal
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