PATELLA
Patella, genus Patella
(noun) type genus of the family Patellidae: common European limpets
patella, kneecap, kneepan
(noun) a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
patella (plural patellas or patellae)
(skeleton) The sesamoid bone of the knee; the kneecap.
A little dish or vase.
Synonyms
• (kneecap): kneecap, kneepan, rotula
Source: Wiktionary
Pa*tel"la, n.; pl. Patellæ. Etym: [L., a small pan, the kneepan, dim.
of patina, patena, a pan, dish.]
1. A small dish, pan, or vase.
2. (Anat.)
Definition: The kneepan; the cap of the knee.
3. (Zoöl.)
Definition: A genus of marine gastropods, including many species of
limpets. The shell has the form of a flattened cone. The common
European limpet (Patella vulgata) is largely used for food.
4. (Bot.)
Definition: A kind of apothecium in lichens, which is orbicular, flat, and
sessile, and has a special rim not a part of the thallus.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition