1. Plural of astragalus; small bones in the ankle or foot of vertebrates, especially the talus bone.
Usage: anatomy; technical
2. In architecture, a small molding or bead, typically semicircular in cross-section, used as a decorative border.
Usage: architecture; technical
3. Plural of astragalus; plants of the legume family, some species of which yield gum tragacanth.
Usage: botany; technical

Examples

• The surgeon examined the patient's astragali to assess the ankle fracture.
• The classical column was decorated with a row of astragali just below the capital.
• Several astragali species are native to arid regions of Asia and North America.
• The talus, one of the astragali, bears much of the body's weight when standing.
• Ancient Greek architects often incorporated astragali as ornamental details in their temples.