sesamoid

noun

ses·​a·​moid ˈse-sə-ˌmȯid 

: a nodular mass of bone (such as the patella) or cartilage in a tendon especially at a joint or bony prominence

sesamoid adjective

Examples of sesamoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During Race 2, Chloe's Dream sustained a right knee fracture at the top of the first turn, and during Race 8, Freezing Point sustained a biaxial sesamoid fracture. —Marissa G. Muller, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023

The possibility remains that guard Norman Powell, sidelined since Feb. 10 with a fractured medial sesamoid bone in his foot, could join them on the practice floor. —Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2022

The Clippers released a statement saying that Powell fractured the medial sesamoid bone and there is no timetable for his return. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2022

The 5-year-old mare Moreavino suffered a right front sesamoid fracture on the far turn of the 1-mile fifth race Thursday. —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2021

Though there’s one type of sesamoid bone that almost everyone has: the kneecap. —Alex Schwartz, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2020

Enter the panda’s pseudo-thumb, which is also composed of an enlarged radial sesamoid and cartilaginous extension, and is controlled by the same three muscles as in the aye-aye. —National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019

Further investigation revealed two other muscles are connected to the radial sesamoid, which allow the bone to move in a gripping motion. —National Geographic, 21 Oct. 2019

The question is whether the toe injury – a likely sesamoid fracture – will heal or require surgery. —Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 27 Feb. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Greek sēsamoeidēs, literally, resembling sesame seed, from sēsamon

First Known Use

circa 1696, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sesamoid

• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• amyloid
• aneroid
• anthropoid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• celluloid
• coronoid

Medical Definition

sesamoid

1 of 2 adjective

ses·​a·​moid ˈses-ə-ˌmȯid 

: of, relating to, or being a nodular mass of bone or cartilage in a tendon especially at a joint or bony prominence

the patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body

sesamoid

2 of 2 noun

: a sesamoid bone or cartilage