Definition

The part of the hand that includes the five bones located between the fingers and the wrist.

Example

The doctor examined the metacarpus to check for any fractures.

Conversation

Did you know that the metacarpus is made up of five bones?

Really? I didn't know that!

Yeah, it's the part of the hand between the wrist and the fingers.

That's interesting! I always thought it was just the fingers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Metacarpus → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or after) and "carpus" (from Greek "karpos", meaning wrist or wrist bone). The term refers to the bones of the hand that are beyond the wrist, specifically the five long bones in the hand between the wrist and the fingers.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meta-' meaning 'beyond' and 'carpus' referring to the 'wrist' — this helps you remember that the metacarpus refers to the bones that are beyond the wrist in the hand.

Visually Confused Words