humerus
UK[ˈhjuːmərəs]US[ˈhjuːmərəs]
n
the long bone in the upper arm, between the shoulder and the elbow.
Etymology
the word 'humerus' was borrowed directly from latin, where it referred to the upper arm, shoulder, or upper part of the body. the latin term is of uncertain origin, though some scholars have suggested a possible connection to the proto-indo-european root ǵʰóh₃mos, meaning 'shoulder', which also gave rise to ancient greek 'ōmos'. the semantic journey is straightforward, with the latin anatomical term being adopted into english scientific vocabulary with a more precise, skeletal meaning. its logic lies in its direct inheritance from classical medical terminology, maintaining its core reference to the upper limb's structure.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from latin. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english spelling.
Examples
a fracture of the humerus can be a serious injury requiring extensive rehabilitation.
the ball-shaped head of the humerus fits into the socket of the scapula to form the shoulder joint.
the surgeon carefully placed a plate and screws to stabilize the broken humerus.