noun
tarsus
TAH-suhs
Tarsus (noun) means the group of small bones forming the ankle and upper foot in humans and other vertebrates. Example: “A sprained ankle often involves ligaments around the tarsus.”
noun
1
The group of small bones forming the ankle and upper foot in humans and other vertebrates.
"A sprained ankle often involves ligaments around the tarsus."
"The tarsus connects the leg bones to the bones of the foot."
2
In insects and other arthropods, the last, foot-like segment of a leg.
"The beetle's tarsus ends in tiny claws that help it grip surfaces."
How to use tarsus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn anatomy term for the ankle bones in vertebrates, or the foot segment of an insect's leg.
When to use it
A technical/medical and biological term, rarely used outside anatomy or entomology contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- tarsi
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A sprained ankle often involves ligaments around the _____.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from New Latin tarsus.
Frequently asked questions
What does “tarsus” mean?
The word “tarsus” means the group of small bones forming the ankle and upper foot in humans and other vertebrates. In plain terms, an anatomy term for the ankle bones in vertebrates, or the foot segment of an insect's leg.
How do you pronounce “tarsus”?
“Tarsus” is pronounced TAH-suhs (/ˈtɑɹ.səs/ in IPA).
How do you use “tarsus” in a sentence?
Here is “tarsus” used in a sentence: “A sprained ankle often involves ligaments around the tarsus.”
What part of speech is “tarsus”?
“Tarsus” is a noun.
Where does the word “tarsus” come from?
The word “tarsus” comes from New Latin. Borrowed directly from New Latin tarsus.
How many meanings does “tarsus” have?
“Tarsus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the group of small bones forming the ankle and upper foot in humans and other vertebrates.
