funny bone


noun

the part of the elbow where the ulnar nerve passes by the internal condyle of the humerus, which when struck causes a peculiar, tingling sensation in the arm and hand; crazy bone.
a sense of humor.

Origin of funny bone

First recorded in 1830–40

Example sentences from the Web for funny bone

British Dictionary definitions for funny bone

funny bone

noun

the area near the elbow where the ulnar nerve is close to the surface of the skin: when it is struck, a sharp tingling sensation is experienced along the forearm and hand Also called (US): crazy bone

Medical definitions for funny bone

funny bone
[ fŭnē ]

n.

A point on the elbow where the ulnar nerve runs close to the surface and produces a tingling sensation if knocked against bone.

Idioms and Phrases with funny bone

funny bone

1

A point on the elbow where the ulnar nerve runs close to the surface and produces a sharp tingling sensation when knocked against the bone. For example, Ouch! I just banged my funny bone. The expression is a pun on humerus (pronounced the same as humorous), the Latin name for the long bone of the arm. [Early 1800s]

2

A sense of humor, as in That comedian really tickles my funny bone. This expression is derived from def. 1.