metatarsal

1 of 2

adjective

meta·​tar·​sal ˌme-tə-ˈtär-səl How to pronounce metatarsal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot

metatarsal

2 of 2

noun

: a metatarsal bone

Examples of metatarsal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
In addition to bunions and flat feet, our tester often experiences pain in the ball of her right foot — a condition that can be common in older people as the padding in the metatarsal area wears down with age. Trina Gray, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024 The front segments of each chain replicate the phalanges (toe bones) while the segments behind them replicate the metatarsal bones (which run from the base of each toe back to the heel). Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 12 July 2024
Noun
The skeleton includes part of the creature’s skull, its entire mandible, two vertebrae, 12 ribs, two gastralia, along with multiple phalanges, metatarsals, and digits. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 12 June 2024 Certain exercises can strengthen the little muscles of your feet (your foot intrinsics) and increase mobility among your metatarsals, a critical group of bones in your feet. Genevieve Gyulavary Dpt, Outside Online, 9 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for metatarsal 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1703, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metatarsal was in 1702

Dictionary Entries Near metatarsal

Cite this Entry

“Metatarsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metatarsal. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

metatarsal

1 of 2 adjective
meta·​tar·​sal ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səl How to pronounce metatarsal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the part of the foot in human beings or of the hind foot in a four-footed animal that is located between the tarsal bones and the toes

metatarsal

2 of 2 noun
: any of the metatarsal bones of which there are five in human beings

Medical Definition

metatarsal

1 of 2 adjective
meta·​tar·​sal ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səl How to pronounce metatarsal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot

metatarsal

2 of 2 noun
: a metatarsal bone

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