the corresponding part in other mammals and in amphibians and reptiles
b. another name for tarsometatarsus
3.
the dense connective tissue supporting the free edge of each eyelid
4.
the part of an insect's leg that lies distal to the tibia
Word origin
C17: from New Latin, from Greek tarsos flat surface, instep
Tarsus in British English
(ˈtɑːsəs)
noun
1.
a city in SE Turkey, on the Tarsus River: site of ruins of ancient Tarsus, capital of Cilicia, and birthplace of St Paul. Pop: 231 000 (2005 est)
2.
a river in SE Turkey, in Cilicia, rising in the Taurus Mountains and flowing south past Tarsus to the Mediterranean. Length: 153 km (95 miles)
Ancient name: Cydnus
Tarsus in American English
(ˈtɑrsəs)
city in S Turkey, near the Mediterranean: in ancient times, the capital of Cilicia& birthplace of the Apostle Paul: pop. 169,000
tarsus in American English
(ˈtɑrsəs)
nounWord forms: pluralˈtarˌsi (ˈtɑrˌsaɪ)
1. Anatomy
a.
the human ankle, consisting of seven bones between the tibia and metatarsus
b.
the small plate of connective tissue stiffening the eyelid
2. Zoology
a.
a group of bones in the ankle region of the hind limbs of tetrapods
b.
tarsometatarsus
c.
the fifth segment from the base of an insect leg
Word origin
ModL < Gr tarsos, flat of the foot, any flat surface, orig. a wickerwork frame for drying fruits orcheeses < IE base *ters-, to dry > thirst, L torridus