ScienceAugust 28, 2026

calcanei

kal-KAY-nee-eye

Definition

The plural form of calcaneus, referring to the large bone that forms the human heel.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'calcaneum', meaning 'heel', which itself comes from the Latin 'calx', meaning 'heel' or 'stone'.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the specific heel bones researchers compared between Neanderthals and various human populations to study the effects of footwear on foot structure.

Wearing Shoes May Explain Why Modern Humans' Feet Are Much Daintier Than Those Of Neanderthals

Read the full article ↗

IFLScience

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