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The Collaborative International Dictionary
tarsal cartilage

Tarsus \Tar"sus\, n.; pl. Tarsi. [NL., fr. Gr. ? the flat of the foot, the edge of the eyelid. Cf. 2d Tarse.]

  1. (Anat.)

    1. The ankle; the bones or cartilages of the part of the foot between the metatarsus and the leg, consisting in man of seven short bones.

    2. A plate of dense connective tissue or cartilage in the eyelid of man and many animals; -- called also tarsal cartilage, and tarsal plate.

  2. (Zo["o]l.) The foot of an insect or a crustacean. It usually consists of form two to five joints.