carpi

A student points to the carpi on a diagram of the human skeleton.

Definition

1. Noun (plural of ):
   • The group of eight small bones forming the human wrist: "carpi" refers to the collective set of bones that connect the hand to the forearm, known scientifically as the carpal bones. This is a technical anatomical term used primarily in medicine and biology.

Usage Examples

• (The wrist bones were checked for breaks.)
• (The wrist bones have a specific structural layout.)

Advanced Usage

• "carpal tunnel syndrome": a condition affecting the median nerve as it passes through the carpi, causing pain and numbness in the hand.

  • Repetitive typing can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves the carpi. (The wrist bones are central to this medical condition.)

• "fracture of the carpi": a medical term for a broken wrist bone.

  • The X-ray revealed a fracture of the carpi that required immobilization. (A specific break in the wrist bones.)

Variants and Related Words

• Carpus (n, singular): the wrist or the group of wrist bones.

  • The carpus is a complex joint allowing for flexible movement. (The singular form of carpi.)

• Carpal (adj): relating to the carpus or carpi.

  • She wore a carpal brace to support her wrist. (A brace for the wrist area.)

• Carpals (n, plural): another term for the carpal bones themselves.

  • The carpals articulate with the radius and ulna. (The wrist bones connect to the forearm bones.)

Synonyms

• Wrist bones: a common, non-technical term for the carpi.
• Carpal bones: the precise anatomical synonym.

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs