How Do You Spell METATARSAL?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtətˈɑːsə͡l] (IPA)

The word "metatarsal" refers to the long bones in the feet that connect the toes to the ankle. Its spelling corresponds closely to its pronunciation: /mɛt.əˈtɑː.səl/. The first syllable is pronounced as "met," similar to the word "metropolis." The second syllable is pronounced as "tar," like the word "target," and the third syllable is pronounced as "sal," similar to "salsa." The IPA phonetic transcription accurately reflects the phonetic sounds that make up the word "metatarsal."

METATARSAL Meaning and Definition

1. Metatarsal is an adjective and a noun that is widely used in the field of anatomy and medicine. As an adjective, it refers to anything that relates to or is associated with the metatarsus, which is the region of the foot between the ankle and the toes.

   As a noun, metatarsal specifically pertains to any of the long bones located in the human foot, extending from the tarsus (ankle) to the phalanges (toes). There are typically five metatarsal bones in each foot, numbered from one to five, with the first metatarsal being the largest and the fifth being the smallest. These bones are very crucial as they provide support to the arch of the foot, aid in walking, and distribute body weight during various activities.

   Injuries or conditions affecting the metatarsals can result in discomfort or pain, and thus, metatarsal fractures, stress fractures, or metatarsalgia (a painful condition in the ball of the foot) are commonly encountered. Metatarsal bones can also be subject to conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or deformities such as bunions or hammer toes.

   Moreover, the term metatarsal is not exclusive to humans. It can also be applied in the context of other vertebrates with a similar anatomical structure in their feet, such as horses, dogs, or birds. The anatomy and functioning of metatarsals play a vital role in understanding the human locomotion and vertebrate evolution.

2. • Pert. to the metatarsus or instep.

   • The metatarsal bone.

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

Common Misspellings for METATARSAL

• metatarsil
• metarsal
• metastarsal
• metatarsol
• netatarsal
• ketatarsal
• jetatarsal
• mwtatarsal
• mstatarsal
• mdtatarsal
• mrtatarsal
• m4tatarsal
• m3tatarsal
• metatasal
• mettatarsal
• mesatarsal
• mesotarsas

Etymology of METATARSAL

The word "metatarsal" can be traced back to the Latin term "metatarsus", which is a combination of the prefix "meta-" meaning "beyond" or "transcending" and "tarsus", referring to the bones of the foot. In ancient Greek, "meta-" implies "after" or "beyond", while "tarsos" denotes "flat surface", reinforcing the connection to the foot bones. Thus, "metatarsus" essentially means "beyond the tarsus" or "beyond the flat surface of the foot". The term "metatarsal" developed from this Latin root and is used to describe the long bones that connect the tarsus (ankle) to the phalanges (toes) in humans and other vertebrates.

Similar spelling words for METATARSAL

• metatheria,
• mediotarsal,
• metatarsus,
• Mediatory,
• Tarso-metatarsal,
• mediodorsal,
• Inter-Metatarsal,
• Mediatorial,
• mediator,
• mediatrix,
• metatherian.

Plural form of METATARSAL is METATARSALS