Kneecap - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A kneecap, or patella, is a small, flat bone that protects the knee joint. It helps with movement by allowing muscles to extend the leg smoothly and efficiently.
Definition:
The flat, movable bone at the front of the knee joint; also means to shoot in the knee as punishment.
Synonyms:
patella, kneepan, rotula
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
(none applicable for anatomical sense), spare (as antonym for punitive sense)
Common Collocations:
fractured kneecap, dislocated kneecap, kneecap injury, protect your kneecap
Derivatives:
kneecapped, kneecapping
Usage Tips:
Use "kneecap" as a noun for the bone or as a verb meaning to disable by shooting the knee.
Common Phrases:
bust a kneecap, kneecap someone, on bended kneecap
Etymology:
From Middle English "kne" (knee) + "cap" (covering), first recorded in the 19th century.
Examples:
- 1. She fell and bruised her kneecap while skating.
- 2. The doctor examined his swollen kneecap after the accident.
- 3. In some crime stories, thugs threaten to kneecap their enemies.
- 4. Wearing knee pads protects your kneecap during sports.