sesamoid
noun
ses·a·moid
ˈse-sə-ˌmȯid 
: a nodular mass of bone (such as the patella) or cartilage in a tendon especially at a joint or bony prominence
sesamoid
adjective
Examples of sesamoid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During Race 2, Chloe's Dream sustained a right knee fracture at the top of the first turn, and during Race 8, Freezing Point sustained a biaxial sesamoid fracture.
—
Marissa G. Muller, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023
The possibility remains that guard Norman Powell, sidelined since Feb. 10 with a fractured medial sesamoid bone in his foot, could join them on the practice floor.
—Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2022
The Clippers released a statement saying that Powell fractured the medial sesamoid bone and there is no timetable for his return.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2022
The 5-year-old mare Moreavino suffered a right front sesamoid fracture on the far turn of the 1-mile fifth race Thursday.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2021
Though there’s one type of sesamoid bone that almost everyone has: the kneecap.
—Alex Schwartz, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2020
Enter the panda’s pseudo-thumb, which is also composed of an enlarged radial sesamoid and cartilaginous extension, and is controlled by the same three muscles as in the aye-aye.
—National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019
Further investigation revealed two other muscles are connected to the radial sesamoid, which allow the bone to move in a gripping motion.
—National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019
The question is whether the toe injury – a likely sesamoid fracture – will heal or require surgery.
—Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 27 Feb. 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Marissa G. Muller, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023
The possibility remains that guard Norman Powell, sidelined since Feb. 10 with a fractured medial sesamoid bone in his foot, could join them on the practice floor.
—Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2022
The Clippers released a statement saying that Powell fractured the medial sesamoid bone and there is no timetable for his return.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2022
The 5-year-old mare Moreavino suffered a right front sesamoid fracture on the far turn of the 1-mile fifth race Thursday.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2021
Though there’s one type of sesamoid bone that almost everyone has: the kneecap.
—Alex Schwartz, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2020
Enter the panda’s pseudo-thumb, which is also composed of an enlarged radial sesamoid and cartilaginous extension, and is controlled by the same three muscles as in the aye-aye.
—National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019
Further investigation revealed two other muscles are connected to the radial sesamoid, which allow the bone to move in a gripping motion.
—National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019
The question is whether the toe injury – a likely sesamoid fracture – will heal or require surgery.
—Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 27 Feb. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Sesamoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesamoid. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sesamoid
1 of 2 adjective
ses·a·moid
ˈses-ə-ˌmȯid
: of, relating to, or being a nodular mass of bone or cartilage in a tendon especially at a joint or bony prominence
the patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body
sesamoid
2 of 2 noun
: a sesamoid bone or cartilage
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share