valgus

adjective

val·​gus ˈval-gəs 

1

: of, relating to, or being a deformity in which an anatomical part is turned outward away from the midline of the body to an abnormal degree

a valgus heel

valgus deformity of the big toe

2

: varus sense 1

—used of the knee

valgus noun

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "knock-kneed," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

valgus

adjective

val·​gus ˈval-gəs 

1

: turned outward

especially : of, relating to, or being a deformity in which an anatomical part is turned outward away from the midline of the body to an abnormal degree

a valgus heel

valgus deformity of the big toe

see cubitus valgus, hallux valgus, talipes valgus compare genu valgum, genu varum

2

: varus sense 1

—used especially in orthopedics of the knee

changes spontaneously from the initial varus (bowing) to a valgus position (knock-knee) at about age 2 to 3

—Joan M. Walker

valgus noun