trochlea

noun

troch·​lea ˈträ-klē-ə How to pronounce trochlea (audio)
: an anatomical structure that is held to resemble a pulley
especially : the articular surface on the medial condyle of the humerus that articulates with the ulna

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, block of pulleys, from Greek trochileia, from trochilos sheave, from trochos wheel

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trochlea was circa 1693

Dictionary Entries Near trochlea

Cite this Entry

“Trochlea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trochlea. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

trochlea

noun
troch·​lea ˈträk-lē-ə How to pronounce trochlea (audio)
: an anatomical structure resembling a pulley: as
a
: the articular surface on the medial condyle of the humerus that articulates with the ulna
b
: the fibrous ring in the inner upper part of the orbit through which the tendon of the superior oblique muscle of the eye passes

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