How Do You Spell METACARPAL?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtəkˈɑːpə͡l] (IPA)

Metacarpal is spelled as /ˌmɛtəˈkɑrpəl/. The word is derived from the prefix "meta-" which means "beyond" and "carpal" which refers to the wrist bones. Metacarpals are the five long bones in the palm of the hand that connect the wrist bones to the fingers. The spelling of this word can be tricky due to the uncommon combination of vowels and consonants. However, understanding its etymology and using phonetic transcription can help improve spelling accuracy.

METACARPAL Meaning and Definition

1. Metacarpal is an adjective and noun that refers to a bone located in the hand, specifically the palm area. It is one of the five long bones that connect the bones of the wrist, called the carpal bones, to the bones of the fingers, known as the phalanges. The metacarpals are numbered from one to five, starting from the thumb side of the hand and progressing towards the little finger. Each metacarpal bone consists of a base, shaft, and head. The base of the metacarpal is connected to the carpal bones, while the head connects to the finger bones. The metacarpals are crucial for providing structural support and stability to the hand while allowing for flexibility and range of motion in various hand movements.

   In addition to its anatomical reference, "metacarpal" can also describe surgical procedures or medical conditions related to the metacarpal bone. For instance, a metacarpal fracture indicates a break or crack in one of the metacarpal bones. Likewise, metacarpal osteotomy refers to a surgical procedure that involves repositioning or realigning a metacarpal bone to treat certain hand deformities or conditions. Overall, the term "metacarpal" is predominantly used in the fields of anatomy, orthopedics, and hand surgery to describe aspects related to the structure and functioning of the bones in the hand.

2. Relating to the metacarpus.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Pert. to the part of the hand between the wrist and the fingers.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for METACARPAL

• metcarpal
• netacarpal
• ketacarpal
• jetacarpal
• mwtacarpal
• mstacarpal
• mdtacarpal
• mrtacarpal
• m4tacarpal
• m3tacarpal
• meracarpal
• mefacarpal
• megacarpal
• meyacarpal
• me6acarpal
• me5acarpal
• metacarpa
• metecarpal
• metacarpel
• Metacarpell
• Metacarpele
• Metacarpull
• metacarphy
• pysmetacarpal

Etymology of METACARPAL

The word "metacarpal" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "meta", meaning "beyond" or "after", and "karpos", meaning "wrist" or "fruit". The term refers to the bones of the hand that are located beyond the carpal bones, closer to the fingers. The combination of these two Greek words describes their anatomical position in relation to the wrist.

Similar spelling words for METACARPAL

• mediocarpal,
• med´´iocar´pal,
• metacarpus,
• Trapezio-Metacarpal,
• Carpo-metacarpal,
• Meta­carpal,
• methocarbamol.

Plural form of METACARPAL is METACARPALS