os longum
- noun
- /ɒs ˈlɒŋɡəm/
- Specialized
- X-rays revealed a fracture in the patient’s os longum of the arm.
Examples
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An os longum can be found in the arm and leg.
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The os longum is crucial for limb movement.
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During growth, an os longum increases in length at the epiphyseal plate.
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The femur is an example of an os longum in the human body.
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The femur is an example of an os longum in the human body.
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X-rays revealed a fracture in the patient’s os longum of the arm.
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An os longum is crucial for supporting body weight during movement.
Synonyms
A long hard part inside the arm or leg like the femur that has a soft center
Surface Forms
Morphology
os + longum
The compound combines 'os' (bone) with 'longum' (Latin adjective meaning 'long'), so the sense 'long bone' is directly derivable from the constituents. Although the term is technical and Latin in form, a B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Os longum comes from Latin: os means 'bone' and longum means 'long'. So the name describes the long, thin bones in the arms and legs.