First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1heel
noun \ˈhēl\
Definition of HEEL
1
a : the back of the human foot below the ankle and behind the arch b : the part of the hind limb of other vertebrates that is homologous with the human heel
2
: an anatomical structure suggestive of the human heel; especially : the part of the palm of the hand nearest the wrist
3
: one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
4
a : the part (as of a shoe) that covers the human heel b : a solid attachment of a shoe or boot forming the back of the sole under the heel of the foot
5
: a rear, low, or bottom part: as a : the after end of a ship's keel or the lower end of a mast b : the base of a tuber or cutting of a plant used for propagation c : the base of a ladder
6
: a contemptible person
— heel·less \ˈhēl-ləs\ adjective
— by the heels
: in a tight grip
— down at heel or down at the heel
: in or into a run-down or shabby condition
— on the heels of
: immediately following
— to heel
1
: close behind
2
: into agreement or line
— under heel
: under control or subjection
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Origin of HEEL
Middle English, from Old English hēla; akin to Old Norse hæll heel, Old English hōh — more at hock
Other Anatomy Terms
2heel
verb
Definition of HEEL
transitive verb
1
a : to furnish with a heel b : to supply especially with money
2
a : to exert pressure on, propel, or strike with the heel <heeled her horse> b : to urge (as a lagging animal) by following closely or by nipping at the heels <dogs heeling cattle>
intransitive verb
: to move along at someone's heels
First Known Use of HEEL
1605
3heel
verb
Definition of HEEL
intransitive verb
transitive verb
: to cause (a boat) to heel
Origin of HEEL
alteration of Middle English heelden, from Old English hieldan; akin to Old High German hald inclined, Lithuanian šalis side, region
First Known Use: 1575
4heel
noun
Definition of HEEL
: a tilt (as of a boat) to one side; also : the extent of such a tilt
First Known Use of HEEL
1760
HEEL Defined for Kids
1heel
noun \ˈhēl\
Definition of HEEL for Kids
1
: the back part of the human foot behind the arch and below the ankle
2
: the part of an animal's limb corresponding to a person's heel
3
: a part (as of a stocking or shoe) that covers or supports the human heel
4
: one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
5
: a rear, low, or bottom part
6
: a mean selfish person
2heel
verb
heeledheel·ing
Definition of HEEL for Kids
: to lean to one side <The boat was heeling in the wind.>
Medical Dictionary
heel
noun \ˈhē(ə)l\
Medical Definition of HEEL
1
a : the back of the human foot below the ankle and behind the arch b : the back of the hind limb of other vertebrates homologous with the human heel
2
: an anatomical structure suggestive of the human heel: as a : the hind part of a hoof b : either of the projections of a coffin bone c : the part of the palm of the hand nearest the wrist
Learn More About HEEL
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