condyle

noun

con·​dyle ˈkän-ˌdī(-ə)l How to pronounce condyle (audio)
 also  -dᵊl
: an articular prominence of a bone
especially : one resembling a pair of knuckles
condyloid adjective

Examples of condyle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The bottom part of the humerus, the bone of your upper arm, has two rounded ends called condyles, which form the top part of the elbow joint. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 3 Mar. 2023 Running in between those condyles is one of the major nerves to the hand, the ulnar nerve. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 3 Mar. 2023 The nerve can be compressed in a structure near there called the cubital tunnel, where a sheet of connective tissue covers the nerve just over the condyle of the humerus. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 3 Mar. 2023 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'condyle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near condyle

Cite this Entry

“Condyle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condyle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!