calcaneus

[ kal-key-nee-uh s ]
/ kælˈkeɪ ni əs /

noun, plural cal·ca·ne·i [kal-key-nee-ahy] /kælˈkeɪ niˌaɪ/.

Anatomy. the largest tarsal bone, forming the prominence of the heel.
Zoology. the corresponding bone in other vertebrates.
Also calcaneum.
Also called heel bone.

Origin of calcaneus

1920–25; < Late Latin: heel, noun use of calcāneus of the heel; see calcaneum

OTHER WORDS FROM calcaneus

cal·ca·ne·al, cal·ca·ne·an, adjective

Words nearby calcaneus

calcaneocuboid ligament, calcaneodynia, calcaneonavicular, calcaneotibial, calcaneum, calcaneus, calcar, calcarate, calcareous, calcareous conjunctivitis, calcareous degeneration

Example sentences from the Web for calcaneus

  • If there is a bony projection from the calcaneus, it should be shaved off with the chisel.

    Manual of Surgery |Alexis Thomson and Alexander Miles

  • The tendo-calcaneus is detached from the calcaneus, the bursa dissected out, and the tendon replaced.

    Manual of Surgery |Alexis Thomson and Alexander Miles

  • A second diagnostic point is the abnormal position of the calcaneus and scaphoid with relation to the malleoli and astragalus.

    Surgery, with Special Reference to Podiatry |Maximilian Stern

British Dictionary definitions for calcaneus

calcaneus

calcaneum (kælˈkeɪnɪəm)

/ (kælˈkeɪnɪəs) /

noun plural -nei (-nɪˌaɪ) or -nea (-nɪə)

the largest tarsal bone, forming the heel in man Nontechnical name: heel bone
the corresponding bone in other vertebrates

Derived forms of calcaneus

calcaneal or calcanean, adjective

Word Origin for calcaneus

C19: from Late Latin: heel, from Latin calx heel

Medical definitions for calcaneus

calcaneus
[ kăl-kā′nē-əs ]

n. pl. cal•ca•ne•i (-nē-ī′)

The quadrangular bone at the back of the tarsus, the largest of the tarsal bones. heel bone

Other words from calcaneus

cal•ca′ne•al adj.