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

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

Noun

Cleveland Clinic links repetitive strain injuries to the thumbs, wrists, elbows and shoulders, with downstream conditions that include tendinitis, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow and trigger finger. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Days after the team’s first-round elimination from the postseason, Narváez and Wong underwent meniscus and right-hand carpal boss excision surgeries, respectively. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 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