Definition

A large bone in a bird's leg that connects the ankle to the toes.

Example

The tarsometatarsus is an important bone for bird movement and stability.

Conversation

Did you know that birds have a bone called the tarsometatarsus?

Really? What does it do?

It supports the limb and helps with their movement.

That makes sense! I never realized how complex their anatomy is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tarsometatarsus → It is formed from "tarsus" (from Latin *tarsus*, meaning the ankle or the flat part of the foot) and "metatarsus" (from Greek *metatarsos*, meaning beyond the tarsus). The word refers to the combined structure of the tarsus and metatarsus in the foot of birds and some other animals.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'tarsus' as the part of the foot that connects to the ankle and 'metatarsus' as the part that extends beyond it — together, they form a key structure in the foot.

Visually Confused Words