What does "tarsus" mean?
The part between the main part of the hindlimb and the metatarsus in terrestrial vertebrates.; A group of small bones in this part of the foot. The seven bones of the human tarsus form the ankle and upper part of the foot.
Tarsus
/ˈtɑː.səs/ name, noun
name, noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The part between the main part of the hindlimb and the metatarsus in terrestrial vertebrates.; A group of small bones in this part of the foot. The seven bones of the human tarsus form the ankle and upper part of the foot.
- Grammar: tarsus is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: ancient city, ankle, ankle bones, bayonet legs.
- Useful contrasts: carpus.
- Usage evidence: The apostle Paul was born in Tarsus.
How to use "tarsus"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tarsus" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tarsus" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "tarsus" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tarsus" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ancient city" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The part between the main part of the hindlimb and the metatarsus in terrestrial vertebrates.; A group of small bones in this part of the foot. The seven bones of the human tarsus form the ankle and upper part of the foot.
- 2 the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg; in human beings the bones of the ankle and heel collectively wordnet
- 3 The part between the main part of the hindlimb and the metatarsus in terrestrial vertebrates.; The shank or tarsometatarsus of the leg of a bird or reptile.
"On the ledge, the guillemots shuffle awkwardly about on their tarsi, the long bone connecting the ‘ankle’ to the feet."
- 4 The part between the main part of the hindlimb and the metatarsus in terrestrial vertebrates.; The true foot or the fifth joint of the leg of an insect or other arthropod, typically consisting of several small segments and ending in a claw.
- 5 A plate of dense connective tissue found in each eyelid, attached to either the superior tarsal muscle (in the upper eyelid) or inferior tarsal muscle (lower eyelid), which aid with sympathetic control.
Proper Noun
- 1 A city in Mersin Province in southeastern Turkey, an important center of Cilicia since antiquity.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The apostle Paul was born in Tarsus."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tarsus"?
Common synonyms include: ancient city, ankle, ankle bones, bayonet legs, bone, bowlegs.
How do you use "tarsus" in a sentence?
The apostle Paul was born in Tarsus.
How do you pronounce "tarsus"?
Pronounced /ˈtɑː.səs/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Borrowed from New Latin tarsus.
Etymology 2
From Latin Tarsus, from Ancient Greek Ταρσός (Tarsós), ultimately from Hittite Tarsa.