patellae

Meanings

1. 1nounpluraltechnicalmedical

   The plural of patella: the small round bone at the front of the knee.

   Grammar: Always plural in form; it refers to two or more kneecaps, so it takes a plural verb: the patellae are swollen.

   Patterns

   • the patellae are …
   • fracture of the patellae
   • both patellae

   The X-ray showed small fractures in both patellae.

   In quadrupeds the patellae sit differently from those of humans.

   The surgeon noted that the patellae were aligned normally.

2. 2nounpluraltechnicalbiology

   The plural of patella used in biology for a kneecap-like structure in an animal or insect leg.

   Grammar: Plural countable noun; used mainly in scientific descriptions of anatomy.

   Patterns

   • the patellae of an insect
   • the patellae are attached to …

   In crickets, the patellae form part of the jumping mechanism.

   The researcher compared the patellae of several beetle species.

Word forms

Common combinations

the patellae are swollen

After the fall, both patellae were swollen and painful.

fracture of the patellae

Fracture of the patellae usually needs a cast or surgery.

dislocate a patella

Athletes can dislocate a patella during a sudden twist.

patellar tendon

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin bone.

Synonyms and how they differ

kneecaps

The everyday word; use it in general conversation, while patellae belongs to medical writing.

Word family

patella noun

The singular form: the kneecap bone.

patellar adjective

Relating to the patella, as in the patellar tendon.

Commonly confused: patellae or petellae?

Practice

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