tar|sus

tar|sus «TAHR suhs», noun, plural -si.

1. a) the human ankle. b) the group of small bones composing it; collective name for the seven small bones between the tibia and the metatarsus, part of the ankle joint and of the instep.

2. the corresponding part in most mammals, in some reptiles, and in amphibians.

3. the shank of a bird's leg; tarsometatarsus.

4. the last segment of the leg of an arthropod.

5. the thin plate of condensed connective tissue that gives form to the edge of the eyelid.

╂[< New Latin tarsus < Greek tarsós sole of the foot; rim of the eyelid; (originally) flat basket]