das Handgelenk, -e
wrist
Die Stelle zwischen Hand und Arm, die man bewegen und drehen kann.
Definition & meaning
The Handgelenk refers to the wrist in human anatomy. It is the complex joint connecting the forearm (the forearm bones, radius and ulna) to the hand (the carpal bones). It allows for the various movements of the hand, such as bending, extending, and rotating.
In a less common or figurative sense, it can also refer to the strap or cuff area of a garment, such as a watch strap or a glove, though this is usually referred to more specifically as a Armband .
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a neuter noun (das Handgelenk) and forms its plural by adding an "-e" (die Handgelenke).
It is a compound noun consisting of two parts:
- Hand: The German word for "hand".
- Gelenk: The German word for "joint" or "articulation", derived from the verb lenken (to steer or guide).
Literally translated, it means "hand-joint".
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Wurzelgelenk (a technical anatomical term for the wrist).
- Handwurzel (often used in medical contexts to describe the area of the wrist bones).
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for this term as it is a specific anatomical body part. One could contrast it with other joints like the Ellbogen (elbow) or Knie (knee) to define its position in the skeletal system.
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Examples
Das Handgelenk schmerzt nach langer Arbeit am Computer.noun
The wrist hurts after long work at the computer.
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