patella

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint
noun type genus of the family Patellidae: common European limpets

From Latin patella (“a small pan or dish, a plate; the kneepan, patella”), diminutive of patina (“a broad shallow dish, pan”). Doublet of paella.

"Yes; gun-shot fracture of the knee-joint--patella totally gone." — Under the Red Dragon: A Novel, James Grant
He came out of the dance with both patellas bruised. — What Will People Say? A Novel, Rupert Hughes
There are even times, after he's been hugging my knees or perhaps stroking my cheek with his little velvet hands and murmuring "Maaa-maa!" in his small and bird-like coo, when he will suddenly turn savage and try to bite my patella or pull my ear out by the root. — The Prairie Mother, Arthur Stringer

kneecap, kneepan

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