ulna

noun

ul·​na ˈəl-nə 

plural ulnae ˈəl-nē  or ulnas

: the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm

also : a corresponding part of the forelimb of vertebrates above fishes

ulnar

ˈəl-nər 

-ˌnär

adjective

Examples of ulna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Furthermore, four of the woman’s long bones (both humeri, the left ulna, and the left femur) showed marks that had previously been identified as tooth marks, suggesting rodents had gnawed at the bones. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026

Scratches inside her cranium point to the removal of her brain, while long bones like the humeri, femur, and ulna were carved down to sharp points. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 June 2026

The blast fractured his right ulna in four places, leaving him with shrapnel wounds. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

Cervical spine injuries, the other sort of top ones would be radius ulna fractures of the forearm. —CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, elbow — more at ell

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ulna

• radio-ulna

Kids Definition

ulna

noun

ul·​na ˈəl-nə 

plural ulnae -nē  or ulnas

: the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm

also : a corresponding part of the forelimb of vertebrates

ulnar

-nər 

adjective

Medical Definition

ulna

noun

ul·​na ˈəl-nə 

plural ulnae -nē  or ulnas

: the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm that forms with the humerus the elbow joint and serves as a pivot in rotation of the hand