Definition

1. Noun:
   • The wrist bone in line with the 4th and 5th fingers: The os hamatum is one of the eight small carpal bones located in the wrist. It is distinguished by a hook-like projection and articulates with the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones of the hand.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A fracture of the os hamatum can cause significant pain and weakness in grip.
  • The surgeon identified the dislocated os hamatum on the X-ray.

Advanced Usage

• Anatomical Context: In medical and anatomical descriptions, is often discussed in relation to its structural neighbors and function.
  • The stability of the medial wrist column depends on the integrity of the os hamatum and triquetrum.

Variants and Related Words

• Hamate bone: This is the more common English term for .
  • The hook of the hamate bone is a common site for fractures in athletes.
• Hamate: A shortened, informal variant used primarily in medical contexts.
  • The MRI confirmed a ligament tear adjacent to the hamate.

Synonyms

• Hamate bone: The direct synonym in anatomical terminology.
• Unciform bone: An older, less common term for the same bone (from Latin , meaning "hook").

Notes

• The term is derived from Latin, where means "bone" and means "hooked." It is primarily used in formal anatomical and medical contexts. In general English and even in many clinical settings, the terms "hamate bone" or simply "hamate" are more frequently used.

Noun

1. the wrist bone in line with the 4th and 5th fingers