patella

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

Origin of PATELLA

Latin, from diminutive of patina shallow dish

First Known Use: 1693

Rhymes with PATELLA

Capella, chlorella, favela, glabella, lamella, Mandela, nigella, novella, paella, predella, prunella, quiniela, rubella, sequela, umbrella, vanilla