KNEECAP

patella, kneecap, kneepan

(noun) a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint

kneecap

(verb) shoot in the kneecap, often done by terrorist groups as a warning; “They kneecapped the industrialist”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

kneecap (plural kneecaps)

(anatomy) The flat, roundish bone in the knee.

Synonyms: kneepan, patella, rotula, scutum

(roofing) A metal cover trim that fits over a panel rib after it has been cut and bent.

A cap or strong covering for the knees, used chiefly for horses, to protect their knees in case of a fall.

Verb

kneecap (third-person singular simple present kneecaps, present participle kneecapping, simple past and past participle kneecapped)

(transitive) To destroy the knees of (a person), usually by shooting at the knees, as a punishment carried out by criminals or terrorists.

Usage notes

• This term is considered a misnomer by medical professionals because only a very small minority of victims suffer damage to the kneecap.

Source: Wiktionary


Knee"cap`, n.

1. (Anat.)

Definition: The kneepan.

2. A cap or protection for the knee.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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