noun

carpal

KAH-puhl

Carpal (noun) means any of the small bones that make up the wrist. Example: “The X-ray showed a fracture in one of the carpals.”

noun

Any of the small bones that make up the wrist.

"The X-ray showed a fracture in one of the carpals."

adjective

Relating to the wrist.

"Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and tingling in the hand."

How to use carpal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with the wrist bones — most commonly heard in the phrase "carpal tunnel syndrome."

Common pairings

carpal tunnel carpal bones carpal tunnel syndrome

Word forms

carpals plural

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The X-ray showed a fracture in one of the _____.

Etymology

From Latin carpus, borrowed from Greek karpos, meaning "wrist."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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wrist bone carpal bone

Frequently asked questions

What does “carpal” mean?

The word “carpal” means any of the small bones that make up the wrist. In plain terms, to do with the wrist bones — most commonly heard in the phrase "carpal tunnel syndrome.".

How do you pronounce “carpal”?

“Carpal” is pronounced KAH-puhl (/ˈkɑɹ.pəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “carpal” in a sentence?

Here is “carpal” used in a sentence: “The X-ray showed a fracture in one of the carpals.”

What part of speech is “carpal”?

Depending on how it is used, “carpal” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “carpal” come from?

The word “carpal” comes from Latin. From Latin carpus, borrowed from Greek karpos, meaning "wrist.".

How many meanings does “carpal” have?

“Carpal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any of the small bones that make up the wrist.