sesamoid

noun

ses·​a·​moid ˈse-sə-ˌmȯid How to pronounce sesamoid (audio)
: 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sesamoid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek sēsamoeidēs, literally, resembling sesame seed, from sēsamon

First Known Use

circa 1696, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sesamoid was circa 1696

Dictionary Entries Near sesamoid

Cite this Entry

“Sesamoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sesamoid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

sesamoid

1 of 2 adjective
ses·​a·​moid ˈses-ə-ˌmȯid How to pronounce sesamoid (audio)
: 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
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