metapodial, a. and n.
(mɛtəˈpəʊdɪəl)
[ad. mod.L. metapodiālis (neut. pl. metapodiālia: see B), f. metapodium: see next and -al1.]
A. adj. (In recent Dicts.)
1. Pertaining to the metapodium of molluscs.
2. Pertaining to the metapodialia (see B).
B. n. One of the ‖ metapodiˈalia n. pl., the bones of the metacarpus and metatarsus taken together.
| 1882 Wilder & Gage Anat. Techn. 42 The metapodials are comparatively simple elements. 1896 Marsh in 16th Rep. U.S. Geol. Survey i. 185 The metapodials are much more slender and the phalanges are less robust than in the other members of the order. |