cannon bone


noun Zoology.

the greatly developed middle metacarpal or metatarsal bone of hoofed quadruped mammals, extending from the hock to the fetlock.

Origin of cannon bone

1825–35; cannon in obsolete sense “tube”

Example sentences from the Web for cannon bone

  • The tendons that run down behind the cannon-bone should not adhere closely just below the knee.

    Riding and Driving |Edward L. Anderson
  • This bone (cannon-bone) between the knee and the fetlock should be short, straight, and strong.

    Riding and Driving |Edward L. Anderson

British Dictionary definitions for cannon bone

cannon bone

noun

a bone in the legs of horses and other hoofed animals consisting of greatly elongated fused metatarsals or metacarpals