tarsus

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   anatomy: the ankle region of a vertebrate foot between the leg and metatarsus, including its small bones

   The injury damaged several bones of the tarsus.

2. 2
   noun

   zoology: the distal limb segment of an arthropod, or the exposed lower leg segment of a bird

   A narrow identification band encircled the bird's tarsus.

3. 3
   noun

   anatomy: the dense connective-tissue plate that supports an eyelid

   Scar tissue had stiffened the upper eyelid's tarsus.

From New Latin tarsus, from Ancient Greek tarsos, which meant a wickerwork mat, the flat of the foot or ankle, and the edge of the eyelid. The anatomical senses share the image of a flat supporting framework; the word is unrelated to the city of Tarsus.

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