noun
tarsus
TAH-suhs
noun
1
The group of small bones forming the ankle and upper foot in humans and other vertebrates.
"A sprained ankle often involves ligaments around the tarsus."
"The tarsus connects the leg bones to the bones of the foot."
2
In insects and other arthropods, the last, foot-like segment of a leg.
"The beetle's tarsus ends in tiny claws that help it grip surfaces."
How to Use Tarsus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn anatomy term for the ankle bones in vertebrates, or the foot segment of an insect's leg.
When to use it
A technical/medical and biological term, rarely used outside anatomy or entomology contexts.
Word Forms
tarsi plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “tarsus”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
A sprained ankle often involves ligaments around the _____.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from New Latin tarsus.