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tarsus

(tär′səs)

noun pl. tarsi

Anat.
1. the human ankle, consisting of seven bones between the tibia and metatarsus
2. the small plate of connective tissue stiffening the eyelid
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

Origin: 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

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

See tarsus in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. tar·si (-sī, -sē)

a. The section of the vertebrate foot between the leg and the metatarsus.
b. The bones making up this section, especially the seven small bones of the human ankle.
A fibrous plate that supports and shapes the edge of the eyelid. Also called tarsal plate.
Zoology
a. The tarsometatarsus.
b. The distal part of the leg of an arthropod, usually divided into segments.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin

Origin: , from Greek tarsos, ankle; see ters- in Indo-European roots

A city of southern Turkey near the Mediterranean Sea west of Adana. Settled in the Neolithic Period, it was one of the most important cities of Asia Minor under Roman rule (after 67 B.C.). Saint Paul was born in Tarsus. Population: 216,000.

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