sesamoid
noun
ses·a·moid ˈse-sə-ˌmȯid 
: a nodular mass of bone (such as the patella) or cartilage in a tendon especially at a joint or bony prominence
sesamoid adjective
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The possibility remains that guard Norman Powell, sidelined since Feb. 10 with a fractured medial sesamoid bone in his foot, could join them on the practice floor. 
Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2022 The Clippers released a statement saying that Powell fractured the medial sesamoid bone and there is no timetable for his return. Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2022 The 5-year-old mare Moreavino suffered a right front sesamoid fracture on the far turn of the 1-mile fifth race Thursday. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2021 Though there’s one type of sesamoid bone that almost everyone has: the kneecap. Alex Schwartz, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2020 Enter the panda’s pseudo-thumb, which is also composed of an enlarged radial sesamoid and cartilaginous extension, and is controlled by the same three muscles as in the aye-aye. National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019 Further investigation revealed two other muscles are connected to the radial sesamoid, which allow the bone to move in a gripping motion. National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019 The question is whether the toe injury – a likely sesamoid fracture – will heal or require surgery. Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 27 Feb. 2018 The question is whether the toe injury – a likely sesamoid fracture – will heal or require surgery. Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 27 Feb. 2018 See More
Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2022 The Clippers released a statement saying that Powell fractured the medial sesamoid bone and there is no timetable for his return. Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2022 The 5-year-old mare Moreavino suffered a right front sesamoid fracture on the far turn of the 1-mile fifth race Thursday. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2021 Though there’s one type of sesamoid bone that almost everyone has: the kneecap. Alex Schwartz, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2020 Enter the panda’s pseudo-thumb, which is also composed of an enlarged radial sesamoid and cartilaginous extension, and is controlled by the same three muscles as in the aye-aye. National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019 Further investigation revealed two other muscles are connected to the radial sesamoid, which allow the bone to move in a gripping motion. National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019 The question is whether the toe injury – a likely sesamoid fracture – will heal or require surgery. Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 27 Feb. 2018 The question is whether the toe injury – a likely sesamoid fracture – will heal or require surgery. Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 27 Feb. 2018 See More Word History
Etymology
Greek sēsamoeidēs, literally, resembling sesame seed, from sēsamon
First Known Use
circa 1696, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
sesamoid 1 of 2
adjective
ses·a·moid ˈses-ə-ˌmȯid
: of, relating to, or being a nodular mass of bone or cartilage in a tendon especially at a joint or bony prominence
the patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body
sesamoid
2 of 2noun
: a sesamoid bone or cartilage