# carpal

/ˈkɑɹpəɫ/ (US) · /kˈɑːpəl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/carpal
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

one of the small bones in your wrist. There are eight of them, and they help you move your hand and fingers.

For teachers: any of the eight small bones that form the wrist. These bones are arranged in two rows and serve as a transition between the radius and ulna of the forearm and the metacarpals of the hand.

## Examples

- The doctor checked for any injury to the carpal bones.
- Repetitive strain injuries can often cause inflammation in the carpal tunnel, which is located near these small wrist bones.
- The intricate arrangement of the carpal bones allows for the complex range of motion required for tasks such as typing, playing a musical instrument, or gripping objects with precision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.