metatarsal
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌmɛtəˈtɑːrsl/
KK: /ˌmɛtəˈtɑrsl/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the part of the foot between the ankle and the toes, specifically the five long bones that form the front part of the foot.
Example
The doctor explained that the pain was due to a metatarsal injury.
Conversation
I just read that the metatarsal bones are really important for balance.
Yeah, I think they help us walk properly too.
Exactly! Without strong metatarsal bones, we could have some serious issues.
Totally, it's fascinating how our feet work.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tarsal
digital
phalangeal
Antonyms
dorsal
plantar
proximal
noun
Definition
A type of bone located in the middle part of the foot, connecting the toes to the ankle.
Example
The doctor explained that the pain was due to a fracture in one of the metatarsals.
Conversation
I sprained my ankle during the game yesterday.
Ouch! Did you hurt any of your metatarsal bones too?
I think just the ankle, but I should check on the metatarsal area just in case.
Root Explanation
Metatarsal → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or after) and "tarsus" (from Greek "tarsos", meaning the flat part of the foot). The term "metatarsal" refers to the bones that are located beyond the tarsus in the foot.
Memory Tip
Think of the prefix 'meta-' meaning beyond, and 'tarsus' referring to the flat part of the foot — this helps you remember that metatarsal bones are those that are located beyond the tarsus.
Visually Confused Words
extratarsal
cubometatarsal
tibiometatarsal
tarsometatarsal
mesotarsal
intermetatarsal