elbow
elbow Lexical Profile
elbow Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The joint between the forearm and the upper arm in humans, especially the outer prominence formed when the arm is bent.
"She rested her elbows on the wooden desk while reading the manuscript."
A sharp bend or angular fitting in a pipe, conduit, road, or river that resembles the bend of an arm.
"The plumber replaced the rusted copper elbow beneath the kitchen sink."
The part of a sleeve or garment that covers the joint of the arm.
"His favorite tweed jacket had leather patches sewn onto the elbows."
• verb
To push, strike, or nudge someone with the elbow, often to gain attention or clear a path.
"He gently elbowed his brother to point out the rare bird in the tree."
To force or make one's way through a crowded space by pushing with the elbows.
"The reporters elbowed their way toward the front of the briefing room."
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English elnboga, a compound of eln ('ell', originally meaning the forearm) and boga ('bow' or 'bend'). It is cognate with German Ellbogen and Old Norse ölnbogi.