First Known Use: 1693
Dictionary
patella
noun pa·tel·la \pə-ˈte-lə\
plural pa·tel·lae\-ˈte-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\ or pa·tel·las
Definition of PATELLA
: a thick flat triangular movable bone that forms the anterior point of the knee and protects the front of the joint —called also kneecap
— pa·tel·lar \-ˈte-lər\ adjective
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Origin of PATELLA
Latin, from diminutive of patina shallow dish
PATELLAS Defined for Kids
patella
noun pa·tel·la \pə-ˈte-lə\
plural pa·tel·lae \-ˈte-lē, -ˈte-ˌlī\ or pa·tel·las
Definition of PATELLA for Kids
: kneecap
Medical Dictionary
patella
noun pa·tel·la \pə-ˈtel-ə\
plural pa·tel·lae \-ˈtel-(ˌ)ē, -ˌī\ or pa·tel·las
Medical Definition of PATELLA
: a thick flat triangular movable bone that forms the anterior point of the knee, protects the front of the joint, increases the leverage of the quadriceps, and is usually regarded as a sesamoid bone since it is developed in the tendon of the quadriceps and in structure is similar to other sesamoid bones—called also kneecap, kneepan
—pa·tel·lar \-ər\ adjective
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