tarsus

noun

tar·​sus ˈtär-səs How to pronounce tarsus (audio)
plural tarsi ˈtär-ˌsī How to pronounce tarsus (audio)
-ˌsē
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 foot and include bones of the ankle, heel, and arch
2
: the tarsal plate of the eyelid
3
: the distal part of the limb of an arthropod
4

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile, wing length showed a mean increase of 1.3%, with the species showing the fastest declines in tarsus length also showing the most rapid gains in wing length. Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Dec. 2019 The scientists measured the birds’ overall body size, body mass, wingspan and the length of a lower leg bone known as the tarsus, which shrank by 2.4 percent across species. NBC News, 5 Dec. 2019 In particular, the length of the tarsus or lower leg bone, shrank by 2.4%. Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tarsus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

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

First Known Use

circa 1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tarsus was circa 1615

Dictionary Entries Near tarsus

Cite this Entry

“Tarsus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarsus. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

tarsus

noun
tar·​sus ˈtär-səs How to pronounce tarsus (audio)
plural tarsi -ˌsī How to pronounce tarsus (audio)
-ˌsē
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 foot and include bones of the ankle, heel, and arch
2
: the lower and longest part of a bird's leg
3
: the part of the limb of an arthropod (as an insect) most distant from the body

Medical Definition

tarsus

noun
tar·​sus ˈtär-səs How to pronounce tarsus (audio)
plural tarsi -ˌsī How to pronounce tarsus (audio) -ˌsē How to pronounce tarsus (audio)
1
: the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg
also : the small bones supporting this part of the limb that include the three cuneiform bones and the cuboid in a distal row and the navicular, calcaneus, and talus in a proximal row
2

Geographical Definition

Tarsus

geographical name

Tar·​sus ˈtär-səs How to pronounce Tarsus (audio)
city in southern Turkey near the Cilician Gates population 187,508

Note: Tarsus was the capital of ancient Cilicia.

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