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noun

ulna

UHL-nuh

Ulna (noun) means the long bone of the forearm running from the elbow to the wrist, on the side opposite the thumb. Example: “The X-ray revealed a hairline fracture in the ulna.”

noun
1
The long bone of the forearm running from the elbow to the wrist, on the side opposite the thumb.
"The X-ray revealed a hairline fracture in the ulna."

How to use ulna

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOne of the two forearm bones — the one on the little-finger side.

Common mistake

Easy to mix up with the radius, the other forearm bone, which sits on the thumb side.

Easily confused with

Word forms

ulnae plural, ulnas plural

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Fill the gap

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The X-ray revealed a hairline fracture in the _____.

Etymology

From Latin "ulna", meaning "elbow" or "forearm".

Origin: Latin

elbow bone

Frequently asked questions

What does “ulna” mean?

The word “ulna” means the long bone of the forearm running from the elbow to the wrist, on the side opposite the thumb. In plain terms, one of the two forearm bones — the one on the little-finger side.

How do you pronounce “ulna”?

“Ulna” is pronounced UHL-nuh (/ˈʌlnə/ in IPA).

How do you use “ulna” in a sentence?

Here is “ulna” used in a sentence: “The X-ray revealed a hairline fracture in the ulna.”

What part of speech is “ulna”?

“Ulna” is a noun.

Where does the word “ulna” come from?

The word “ulna” comes from Latin. From Latin "ulna", meaning "elbow" or "forearm".

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial