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 limb2: the tarsal plate of the eyelid3: the distal part of the limb of an arthropod4: tarsometatarsus