manus
UK[ˈmeɪnəs]US[ˈmeɪnəs]
n
The distal segment of the forelimb of a vertebrate, including the carpus, metacarpus, and digits; the hand or corresponding part.
Etymology
The word 'manus' is a direct borrowing from Latin, where it held the primary meaning of "hand." This Latin term is itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European root man- (or men-), which signified "hand." This ancient root is the source of a wide array of words across Indo-European languages related to manual activity and skill. In English, 'manus' is used almost exclusively in technical, especially anatomical and zoological, contexts to refer to the hand or forepaw, preserving its original Latin sense with high specificity. Its legacy is more apparent in numerous derivatives like 'manual,' 'manufacture,' 'manipulate,' and 'manuscript,' all of which conceptually stem from the action or product of the hand.
Analysis
The word is a simplex, borrowed directly from Latin. It is a Latin noun meaning "hand."
Examples
The fossil record shows distinct adaptations in the manus of early primates.
In veterinary anatomy, injuries to the manus can be complex to treat.
The artist's skill was evident in the delicate rendering of the manus.