met·a·car·pus / ˈmetəˌkärpəs/ • n. (pl. -pi / -pē; -ˌpī/ ) the group of five bones of the hand between the wrist (carpus) and the fingers. ∎  this part of the hand. ∎  the equivalent group of bones in an animal's forelimb.

metacarpus The hand (or corresponding part of the forelimb) in terrestrial vertebrates, consisting of a number of rod-shaped bones (metacarpals) that articulate with the bones of the wrist (see carpus) and those of the fingers (see phalanges). The number of metacarpals varies between species: in the basic pentadactyl limb there are five, but this number is reduced in many species.

metacarpus (met-ă-kar-pŭs) n. the five bones of the hand that connect the carpus (wrist) to the phalanges (digits).