What does navicular mean?
Navicular is an anatomical term for the small, boat-shaped bone in the wrist or foot. As an adjective, it describes anything connected with this bone; as a noun, it can refer to the bone itself. The name comes from Latin navicula, meaning 'little ship,' reflecting the bone's curved shape. Navicular injuries are especially associated with the foot, where fractures may result from twisting or compression and can be difficult to detect on ordinary examinations. The word is most often encountered in medical reports, orthopaedics, radiology, and sports medicine. It is not a general synonym for any boat-shaped object, and its use outside anatomical descriptions is uncommon.
Of or relating to the navicular bone of the wrist or foot.
"The scan revealed a navicular fracture of the foot."
Most common in medical and anatomical usage.
The navicular bone of the wrist or foot.
"The navicular is one of the bones that helps form the arch of the foot."
Usually identified by its location, especially in the foot or wrist.
Used when referring to the bones collectively or to more than one navicular bone.
"The radiographs showed naviculars with no obvious fracture."
Navicular comes from a word meaning 'little ship': its ancient namesake was the tiny boat-shaped bone of the foot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does navicular come from?
Navicular derives from Latin navicula, a diminutive of navis, meaning 'ship.' The anatomical term was adopted because the bone has a curved, boat-like form. Its vocabulary relatives include navigate and navigation, which also derive from the Latin root for ship, as well as naval and nave, which reflect related Indo-European meanings connected with ships or boats.
Related word forms
How navicular is actually used
In anatomy, the term is normally used in medical contexts. The adjective usually takes the related noun as its complement, as in 'navicular bone' or 'navicular fracture.'