trochanter

noun tro·chan·ter \trō-ˈkan-tər\

Definition of TROCHANTER

: a rough prominence at the upper part of the femur of many vertebrates serving usually for the attachment of muscles

: the second segment of an insect's leg adjacent to the coxa

— tro·chan·ter·al \-tə-rəl\ adjective

— tro·chan·ter·ic \ˌtrō-kən-ˈter-ik, -ˌkan-\ adjective

Origin of TROCHANTER

Greek trochantēr; akin to Greek trechein to run

First Known Use: 1615

Rhymes with TROCHANTER

decanter, enchanter, implanter, instanter, levanter, supplanter, transplanter

Medical Dictionary

trochanter

noun tro·chan·ter \trō-ˈkant-ər\

Medical Definition of TROCHANTER

: a rough prominence or process at the upper part of the femur of many vertebrates serving usually for the attachment of muscles and being usually two on each femur in mammals including humans: a : a larger one situated on the outer part of the upper end of the shaft at its junction with the neck—called also greater trochanter b : a smaller one situated at the lower back part of the junction of the shaft and neck—called also lesser trochanter

—tro·chan·ter·ic \ˌtrō-kən-ˈter-ik, -ˌkan-\ adjective