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

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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

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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

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