patella
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.pa·tel·la
noun \pə-ˈte-lə\ plural pa·tel·lae\-ˈte-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\ or pa·tel·las
Definition of PATELLA
: a thick flat triangular movable bone that forms the anterior point of the knee and protects the front of the joint —called also kneecap
— pa·tel·lar \-ˈte-lər\ adjective
See Origin of PATELLA
Latin, from diminutive of patina shallow dish
First Known Use: 1693
pa·tel·la
noun \pə-ˈtel-ə\ (Medical Dictionary)plural ; pa·tel·lae \-ˈtel-(ˌ)ē, -ˌī\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation)or ; pa·tel·las
Medical Definition of PATELLA
: a thick flat triangular movable bone that forms the anterior point of the knee, protects the front of the joint, increases the leverage of the quadriceps, and is usually regarded as a sesamoid bone since it is developed in the tendon of the quadriceps and in structure is similar to other sesamoid bones—called also kneecap, kneepan
—pa·tel·lar \-ər\ (audio pronunciation) adjective
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