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Glite Dictionary
os capitatum

os capitatum

9.9
A large bone in the middle of the wrist that joins the middle finger bone
  • noun
  • /ˈɑs ˈkæpɪˌteɪtəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hueso capitatum
  • A fracture of the os capitatum can result in reduced wrist mobility.

Examples

  • The surgeon carefully examined the os capitatum before proceeding with the operation.

  • Damage to the os capitatum may affect the articulation of the hand.

  • The os capitatum is essential for wrist movement.

  • Can you locate the os capitatum on the diagram?

  • The surgeon carefully examined the os capitatum before proceeding with the operation.

  • A fracture of the os capitatum can result in reduced wrist mobility.

  • The os capitatum plays a crucial role in the formation of the wrist joint.

Synonyms

capitate
vsos capitatum
  • Specialized
1 9.9

The largest bone in the wrist at the center that connects to the middle finger

uses an alternative technical name for the same bone
capitate bone
vsos capitatum
  • Specialized
6.6

A large bone in the middle of the wrist that connects to the base of the middle finger

uses an alternative technical name for the same bone

Surface Forms

os capitatum singular
os capitatum plural

Morphology

os + capitatum

The term is transparently compositional: 'os' denotes a bone and 'capitatum' is a Latin-derived element meaning 'headed' or 'having a head' (as in capitate), so together they denote the head-shaped bone in the wrist. Although technical and Latin-based, the meaning follows regular morphological composition used in anatomical nomenclature and would be derivable by a learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Os capitatum comes from Latin words os 'bone' and capitatum 'head', so imagine a round-headed bone in the middle of the wrist. That's why the name is used for the largest wrist bone that connects to the long bone of the middle finger.