What does scaphoid mean?
Scaphoid is an anatomical term meaning “boat-shaped.” As an adjective, it describes something with a shape resembling a small boat, especially in anatomy and comparative morphology. As a noun, the scaphoid is one of the eight carpal bones in the wrist, located on the thumb side and important for supporting the hand and stabilizing the wrist. Its shape inspired the name, which comes from Greek skaphē, meaning “boat,” combined with a suffix indicating resemblance or form. In clinical writing, “scaphoid fracture” is a particularly common phrase because fractures of this bone can be difficult to detect and may affect the blood supply to the bone. The word is technical rather than everyday, but it is useful whenever precise anatomical description is required.
Shaped like a boat.
"The bone has a scaphoid shape."
This is a technical anatomical and morphological term.
A small boat-shaped carpal bone in the wrist, located on the thumb side.
"An X-ray revealed a fracture of the scaphoid."
Usually used in anatomical or medical contexts.
The plural is used when referring to multiple scaphoid bones or to scaphoid specimens in comparative anatomy.
"The scaphoids are carpal bones with a boat-like shape."
The scaphoid's name means 'boat-shaped,' and its position in the wrist helps it act as a key support for the hand.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scaphoid come from?
The word comes from Greek skaphē, meaning “boat,” and the combining form -oid, meaning “resembling” or “form.” English borrowed it in the sixteenth century for the boat-like shape of the wrist bone. Its anatomical sense developed from the same comparison of the bone's outline with a boat.
Related word forms
How scaphoid is actually used
In medicine, scaphoid is normally used as a noun for the wrist bone and as an adjective in terms such as scaphoid fracture. The related anatomical term navicular is sometimes used in older or comparative descriptions, but the terminology can vary by structure and context.
Easily confused with scaphoid
In anatomy, scaphoid is the name of a wrist bone, while navicular is used for a differently shaped bone in the wrist or foot; the names are not interchangeable in every anatomical context.