ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wrist

n. · v.
US //ˈɹɪst// UK //ɹˈɪst// wrist
  1. 1 anatomy (n.)
    A2 Elementary Medicine

    the joint that connects your hand to your arm.

    the anatomical joint connecting the distal end of the forearm to the carpus of the hand.

    Example

    She wore a silver watch on her left wrist every day.

    Example

    The surgeon explained that the fracture was located at the base of the wrist, requiring a small plate to stabilize the joint during recovery.
    • carpus
  2. 2 engineering (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a pin or joint in a machine that allows parts to move like a human wrist.

    a stud, pin, or mechanical joint that serves as a journal or pivot point, often in robotic or automotive assemblies.

    Example

    The robot's wrist allows it to turn the screwdriver in tight spaces.

    Example

    The mechanical arm features a three-axis wrist that provides the dexterity necessary for high-precision welding on the assembly line.
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  1. 3 to hit a wrist shot (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Sport

    to hit a ball or puck with a quick movement of the wrist.

    to execute a shot, particularly in ice hockey or field hockey, using a rapid flicking motion of the wrists rather than a full swing.

    Example

    The player managed to wrist the puck into the top corner of the net.

    Example

    He chose to wrist the ball past the defender rather than taking a full power shot, catching the goalkeeper off guard with the sudden change in pace.
Origin

From Middle English wrist, from Old English wrist, from Proto-West Germanic wristu, from Proto-Germanic wristuz (compare Old Frisian wrist, Low German Wrist, German Rist (“back of hand, instep, withers”), Swedish vrist), from Proto-Germanic *wrīþaną (“to twist, turn”). More at writhe.

Word family

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