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tarsus definition

tar·sus (tärsəs)

noun pl. tarsi tar′si′ (-sī′)

  1. Anat.
    1. the human ankle, consisting of seven bones between the tibia and metatarsus
    2. the small plate of connective tissue stiffening the eyelid
  2. Zool.
    1. a group of bones in the ankle region of the hind limbs of tetrapods
    2. tarsometatarsus
    3. the fifth segment from the base of an insect leg

Etymology: ModL < Gr tarsos, flat of the foot, any flat surface, orig. a wickerwork frame for drying fruits or cheeses < IE base *ters-, to dry > thirst, L torridus

Tarsus definition

Tar·sus (tärsəs)

city in S Turkey, near the Mediterranean: in ancient times, the capital of Cilicia & birthplace of the Apostle Paul: pop. 169,000

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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