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Glite Dictionary
os lunatum

os lunatum

9.9
A small bone in the wrist near the middle of the first row of bones
  • noun
  • /ˌɑs luˈneɪtəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hueso lunado
  • On the X-ray, the doctor pointed out the os lunatum among the other carpal bones.

Examples

  • A fracture of the os lunatum can cause significant pain and limited movement.

  • The os lunatum is crucial for wrist movement.

  • The os lunatum is often involved in certain wrist disorders.

  • Did you know that the os lunatum is located in the wrist?

  • A fracture of the os lunatum can cause significant pain and limited movement.

  • On the X-ray, the doctor pointed out the os lunatum among the other carpal bones.

  • The os lunatum is often involved in certain wrist disorders.

Synonyms

semilunar bone
vsos lunatum
  • Specialized
6.5

A moon-shaped bone in the middle of the wrist among other small bones

focuses on its central position in the proximal row of the carpus
lunate bone
vsos lunatum
  • Specialized
6.3

A small bone in the middle of the wrist shaped like a half moon that helps hand movement

emphasizes its central location among the proximal row bones

Surface Forms

os lunatum singular
os lunata plural

Morphology

os + lunatum

The term is compositionally built from Latin elements: os = bone and lunatum (from luna) = moon-shaped, so a learner who knows those constituents could infer 'moon-shaped bone'. However, 'lunatum' is a technical/Latin form unfamiliar to most B1 learners and the exact anatomical placement in the wrist is specialized, so the meaning is only partly predictable without prior exposure.

Etymology

The noun os lunatum comes from Latin: os means 'bone' and lunatum means 'moon-shaped'. The bone looks like a small crescent in the middle of the wrist, so that's why os lunatum refers to that particular small wrist bone.