Dictionary

ball–and–socket joint

noun

Definition of BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT

1
:  a joint in which a ball moves within a socket so as to allow rotary motion in every direction within certain limits
2
:  an articulation (as the hip joint) in which the rounded head of one bone fits into a cuplike cavity of the other and admits movement in any direction
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Illustration of BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT

First Known Use of BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT

1809
BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT Defined for Kids

ball–and–socket joint

noun

Definition of BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT for Kids

:  a joint (as in the shoulder) in which a rounded part can move in many directions in a socket
Medical Dictionary

ball–and–socket joint

noun

Medical Definition of BALL–AND–SOCKET JOINT

:  an articulation (as the hip joint) in which the rounded head of one bone fits into a cuplike cavity of the other and admits movement in any direction—called also enarthrosis

Illustration of BALL–AND–SOCKET JOINT

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