Main Entry: tar·sus

Pronunciation: \ˈtär-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural tar·si \-ˌsī, -ˌsē\

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek tarsos wickerwork mat, flat of the foot, ankle, edge of the eyelid; akin to Greek tersesthai to become dry — more at thirst

Date: circa 1615

1 : the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg; also : the small bones that support this part of the limb
2 : the tarsal plate of the eyelid
3 : the distal part of the limb of an arthropod
4 : tarsometatarsus