MENISCUS

meniscus

(noun) (physics) the curved upper surface of a nonturbulent liquid in a vertical tube

meniscus

(noun) (optics) a lens that is concave on one side and convex on the other

meniscus, semilunar cartilage

(noun) (anatomy) a disk of cartilage that serves as a cushion between the ends of bones that meet at a joint

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

meniscus (plural meniscuses or menisci)

A crescent moon, or an object shaped like it. [from 17th c.]

(optics) A lens which is convex on one side and concave on the other, being crescent-shaped in cross-section. [from 17th c.]

The curved surface of liquids in tubes, whether concave or convex, caused by the surface tension of the liquid. [from 19th c.]

(anatomy) Either of two parts of the human knee that provide structural integrity to the knee when it undergoes tension and torsion. [from 19th c.]

Source: Wiktionary


Me*nis"cus, n.; pl. L. Menisci (-si), E. Meniscuses. Etym: [NL., from Gr. mh`nh the moon.]

1. A crescent.

2. (Opt.)

Definition: A lens convex on one side and concave on the other.

3. (Anat.)

Definition: An interarticular synovial cartilage or membrane; esp., one of the intervertebral synovial disks in some parts of the vertebral column of birds. Converging meniscus, Diverging meniscus. See Lens.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

26 December 2024

CHATTEL

(noun) personal as opposed to real property; any tangible movable property (furniture or domestic animals or a car etc)


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