English Reference
noun · verb

wrist

n. · v.
US /ˈɹɪst/ UK /ɹˈɪst/ wrist UK spelling wrist's, wrist's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Medicine

    n.the joint that connects your hand to your arm.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The mechanical arm features a three-axis wrist that provides the dexterity necessary for high-precision welding on the assembly line.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Informal Sport

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.


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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin gem-pro *wrīþaną
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated