adjective / noun
carpal
KAR-pul/kˈɑrpʌl/
Relating to the wrist.
The diagram labels each carpal bone in the human wrist.
Etymology
The wrist root gives carpal its direct anatomical meaning. In “carpal tunnel,” the adjective locates the tunnel-like passage at the wrist, where it carries nerves.
In context
carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition most often characterized by a numbness and tingling in the hand caused by a compressed median nerve in the wrist
More examples
- The injury affects one of the carpals.
- A narrow passage runs through the carpal region.
- The scan shows the alignment of the carpal bones.
Forms
carpal · carpals
Similar words
- tarsal
- Refers to corresponding bones in the ankle region.
- metacarpal
- Refers to bones of the hand beyond the wrist.