knee

Meanings

Plural: kneen, knees

Noun

• hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
• joint between the femur and tibia in a quadruped; corresponds to the human knee
• the part of a trouser leg that provides the cloth covering for the knee
• In humans, the joint or the region of the joint in the middle part of the leg between the thigh and the shank.
• In the horse and allied animals, the carpal joint, corresponding to the wrist in humans.
• In birds:
• The tarsal joint, uniting the tarsometatarsus and the tibiotarsus (homologous to the human ankle).
• In birds:
• The joint uniting the tibiotarsus and the femur, typically hidden beneath plumage.
• The part of a garment that covers the knee.
• A piece of timber or metal formed with an angle somewhat in the shape of the human knee when bent.
• An act of kneeling, especially to show respect or courtesy.
• Any knee-shaped item or sharp angle in a line; an inflection point.
• A blow made with the knee; a kneeing.
• The presence of a parent etc., where a young child acquires early knowledge.

Verb

• To kneel to.
• To poke or strike with the knee.
• To move on the knees; to use the knees to move.

Synonyms

articulatio genus, genu, human knee, knee joint, stifle