carpal
UK[ˈkɑːp(ə)l]US[ˈkɑːrp(ə)l]
adj
relating to the bones in the wrist.
n
a bone in the wrist.
Morpheme Breakdown
carp
al
carp
wrist
al
relating to
Etymology
the word 'carpal' is a modern anatomical term derived from the greek root 'karpos', which originally meant 'wrist'. this greek term was adopted into new latin as 'carpus' to formally designate the wrist. the latin adjectival suffix '-alis' was then appended to form 'carpalis', meaning 'pertaining to the wrist'. the english form 'carpal' was borrowed directly from this new latin construction, preserving the precise anatomical reference to the wrist bones.
Analysis
Structure: carp (wrist) + al (relating to)
carp- is from greek 'karpos', meaning 'wrist'. -al is a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by'.
Examples
the surgeon performed an operation to repair the torn carpal ligament.
carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist.
the x-ray showed a fracture in one of the small carpal bones.