tarsus
noun
tar·sus ˈtär-səs 
plural tarsi ˈtär-ˌsī
-ˌsē
1
: the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg
also : the small bones that support this part of the foot and include bones of the ankle, heel, and arch
2
: the tarsal plate of the eyelid
3
: the distal part of the limb of an arthropod
4
: tarsometatarsus
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile, wing length showed a mean increase of 1.3%, with the species showing the fastest declines in tarsus length also showing the most rapid gains in wing length. 
Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Dec. 2019 The scientists measured the birds’ overall body size, body mass, wingspan and the length of a lower leg bone known as the tarsus, which shrank by 2.4 percent across species. NBC News, 5 Dec. 2019 In particular, the length of the tarsus or lower leg bone, shrank by 2.4%. Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Dec. 2019
Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Dec. 2019 The scientists measured the birds’ overall body size, body mass, wingspan and the length of a lower leg bone known as the tarsus, which shrank by 2.4 percent across species. NBC News, 5 Dec. 2019 In particular, the length of the tarsus or lower leg bone, shrank by 2.4%. Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Dec. 2019 Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek tarsos wickerwork mat, flat of the foot, ankle, edge of the eyelid; akin to Greek tersesthai to become dry — more at thirst
First Known Use
circa 1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
tarsus
noun
tar·sus ˈtär-səs
plural tarsi -ˌsī -ˌsē
-ˌsē 1
: the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg
also : the small bones supporting this part of the limb that include the three cuneiform bones and the cuboid in a distal row and the navicular, calcaneus, and talus in a proximal row
2
: tarsal plate
Geographical Definition
Tarsus
geographical name
Tar·sus ˈtär-səs
city in southern Turkey near the Cilician Gates population 187,508
Note: Tarsus was the capital of ancient Cilicia.