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

But this season’s success could hinge on Kyrie Irving’s return date from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 20 Oct. 2025

The squad is stretched defensively, with goalkeeper Alisson expected to be out until after the November international break, and summer signing Giovanni Leoni missing the remainder of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

Once Bosa tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the home opener, the 49ers were in dire need of a pass rusher. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 9 Oct. 2025

In March 2023, Sandbech suffered a second rupture to her anterior cruciate ligament, an injury which ruled her out of playing in the first FIFA Women’s World Cup which Denmark qualified for in 20 years. —Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 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