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Definition of patella

patella

/pəˈtɛlə/
pa · tel · la
Plural:patellae
•
Adjective:patellar
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patella Lexical Profile

patella Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A flat, rounded, movable bone situated at the front of the knee joint that protects the joint and connects with the tendons of the quadriceps muscle; the kneecap.

Example

"The orthopedic surgeon examined the X-ray to determine if the patient had fractured his patella during the fall."

2

In Roman antiquity, a small, shallow dish or pan made of earthenware or metal, used for cooking and for offering food in religious sacrifices.

Example

"Archaeologists uncovered a bronze patella near the household altar of the Roman villa."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for patella

• Rhymes for patella

• Nearby Words

patchy
patdown
pate
patella
patent
patentable
patented

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin 'patella', meaning a 'small pan' or 'little dish' (a diminutive of 'patina'), in reference to the flat, rounded shape of the bone.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Patella. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/patella
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