fetlock

noun

fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk How to pronounce fetlock (audio)
1
a
: a projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal see horse illustration
b
: the tuft of hair itself
2
: the joint of the limb at the fetlock

Examples of fetlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The majority of the injuries involved a fetlock joint. Melissa Hoppert, New York Times, 2 May 2024 Before the rule went into effect, the state had 83 catastrophic fetlock failures in 20 months. Joe Drape, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023 New York Thunder had to be put down after shattering his left front fetlock. Joe Drape, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023 Lazarus said the authority would adopt the California rule of banning steroid fetlock injections within 30 days of a race. Joe Drape, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for fetlock 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fitlok, fetlak; akin to Old English fōt foot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetlock was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fetlock

Cite this Entry

“Fetlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetlock. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fetlock

noun
fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk How to pronounce fetlock (audio)
1
: a projection with a bunch of hair on the back of a horse's leg above the hoof
2
: the bunch of hair growing out of the fetlock

Medical Definition

fetlock

noun
fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk How to pronounce fetlock (audio)
1
a
: a projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal
b
: the tuft of hair itself
2
: the joint of the limb at the fetlock

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