1. the five long bones in the hand that connect the wrist to the fingers
Usage: anatomy; plural form

Examples

• The boxer fractured two metacarpals in his right hand.
• X-rays revealed a break in one of her metacarpals.
• The metacarpals form the framework of the palm.
• Each finger is connected to the wrist by a metacarpal bone.
• The surgeon repaired the damaged metacarpals with metal pins.
• Arthritis can affect the joints between the metacarpals and fingers.