carpal

1 of 2

adjective

car·​pal ˈkär-pəl 

: of or relating to the carpus

carpal

2 of 2

noun

: a carpal element or bone

Examples of carpal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The wrist never healed, and Schmitt underwent surgery in December to remove the carpal boss in his left wrist. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2026

The carpal bone has little decorative or practical value, making its transport as a trade item improbable. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2026

Noun

Over time, compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel will lead to the hands feeling numb and becoming weak. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026

That was also before two carpal tunnel surgeries and multiple epidurals in his shoulder. — Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

New Latin carpalis, from carpus

First Known Use

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1855, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carpal

• carpal tunnel syndrome

Rhymes for carpal

• carpel
• metacarpal

Kids Definition

carpal

1 of 2 adjective

car·​pal ˈkär-pəl 

: relating to the wrist or carpus

carpal

2 of 2 noun

: a carpal bone or cartilage

Medical Definition

carpal

1 of 2 adjective

car·​pal ˈkär-pəl 

: relating to the carpus

carpal

2 of 2 noun

: a carpal element : carpale