anterior cruciate ligament

noun

: a cruciate ligament of each knee that attaches the front of the tibia with the back of the femur and functions especially to prevent hyperextension of the knee and is subject to injury especially by tearing

called also ACL

Examples of anterior cruciate ligament in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Neymar, 33, is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer but has not appeared for his national team since October 2023, when he was substituted against Uruguay after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee. —Leon Imber, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

The researchers recruited 112 young adults with a median age of 28 who’d undergone surgical reconstruction of their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). —New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025

The former Denver Broncos draft pick, who was claimed off waivers last week, tore an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Dave Canales. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

The news of a sprain indicates Wisconsin avoided the worst-case scenario that occurred last year, when starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Badgers’ third game and was unavailable the rest of the season. —Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anterior cruciate ligament

noun

: a cruciate ligament of each knee that is attached in front to the more medial aspect of the tibia, that passes upward, backward, and laterally through the middle of the knee crossing the posterior cruciate ligament to attach to the femur, that functions to prevent hyperextension of the knee and to keep the tibia from sliding forward in relation to the femur, and that is subject to sports injury especially by tearing

called also ACL