ulna

noun

ul·​na ˈəl-nə How to pronounce ulna (audio)
plural ulnae ˈəl-nē How to pronounce ulna (audio) or ulnas
: the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm
also : a corresponding part of the forelimb of vertebrates above fishes
ulnar
ˈəl-nər How to pronounce ulna (audio)
-ˌnär
adjective

Examples of ulna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her injuries were consistent with those found in modern humans who reach their hands out toward the ground to break a fall: greenstick fractures across both forelimb bones, the radius and the ulna. Carly Miller, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 Accomplishing even this step proved especially difficult because of the need to precisely align the volunteer’s radius and ulna. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Oct. 2023 This air breathing fish’s front fins even have an ulna and a radius like our forearms do, and they’re coded by the same set of genes, reports Tessa Koumoundouros for Science Alert. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2021 Each one holds a skeleton laid out carefully to preserve the proper anatomical placement of bones—a radius must lie just next to the ulna on each table. Ananda Rose, Scientific American, 1 June 2015 See all Example Sentences for ulna 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ulna.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, elbow — more at ell

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ulna was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near ulna

Cite this Entry

“Ulna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ulna. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

ulna

noun
ul·​na ˈəl-nə How to pronounce ulna (audio)
plural ulnae -nē How to pronounce ulna (audio) or ulnas
: the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm
also : a corresponding part of the forelimb of vertebrates
ulnar adjective

Medical Definition

ulna

noun
ul·​na ˈəl-nə How to pronounce ulna (audio)
plural ulnae -nē How to pronounce ulna (audio) or ulnas
: the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm that forms with the humerus the elbow joint and serves as a pivot in rotation of the hand

More from Merriam-Webster on ulna

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