condyle

noun

con·dyle ˈkän-ˌdī(-ə)l

also -dᵊl

: an articular prominence of a bone

especially : one resembling a pair of knuckles

condyloid

ˈkän-də-ˌlȯid

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The Double Jeopardy star suffered a fracture of the femoral condyle over the summer. —

Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 27 Oct. 2022 Opening the mouth causes the rounded ends of the lower jaw (known as condyles) to glide along the joint socket of the temporal bone. —

Marlene Cimons, Sun-Sentinel.com, 13 June 2017 Opening the mouth causes the rounded ends of the lower jaw (known as condyles) to glide along the joint socket of the temporal bone. —

Marlene Cimons, Washington Post, 9 June 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'condyle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

French & Latin; French, from Latin condylus knuckle, from Greek kondylos

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of condyle was in 1634

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Condyle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condyle. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

condyle

noun

con·dyle

ˈkän-ˌdīl also -dᵊl

: an articular prominence of a bone

—used chiefly of such as occur in pairs resembling a pair of knuckles (as those of the occipital bone for articulation with the atlas, those at the distal end of the humerus and femur, and those of the lower jaw) see lateral condyle, medial condyle