noun
patella
Patella (noun) means (anatomy) The kneecap, the small bone at the front of the knee.
noun
1
(anatomy) The kneecap, the small bone at the front of the knee.
"The patellae may be up to 30° externally rotated at birth. In young children it is considered normal for the patellae to be externally rotated, but by 5 years of age the patellae should face forwards."
— P. Tohomson, 14: Assessment of the paediatric patient (2009)
"Subluxed patellas, more commonly referred to as slipped stifles, like all inherited factors will continue to cripple a breed as long as breeders continue to mate affected animals."
— Ann Seranne, The Joy of Breeding Your Own Show Dog (2004)
"Both patellae are well preserved for Dolni Věstonice 3 and 13-15, and the left patella remains for Dolni Věstonice 16 (Figures 18.22 to 18.26)."
— Erik Trinkaus, 18: The Lower Limb Remains (2006)
2
A small dish or vase.
3
(botany) A round, flat fruiting body of a lichen with a rim that stands out from the rest of the lichen.
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Etymology
From Latin patella, meaning "a small pan or dish, a plate; the kneepan, patella", a diminutive of patina, meaning "a broad shallow dish, pan". A doublet of paella.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for patella
See all rhymes for patella →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of patella?
"patella" (noun) means (anatomy) The kneecap, the small bone at the front of the knee.
What is another word for patella?
Other words for "patella" include kneepan, kneecap.
What are the different meanings of patella?
"patella" has 3 main meanings: 1. (anatomy) The kneecap, the small bone at the front of the knee; 2. A small dish or vase; 3. (botany) A round, flat fruiting body of a lichen with a rim that stands out from the rest of the lichen.
