patella

plural patellas · plural patellae

1. anatomyThe sesamoid bone of the knee; the kneecap.

   2005, Roger E. Stevenson, 20: Limbs, Roger E. Stevenson, Judith G. Hall, Human Malformations and Related Anomalies, page 920, Since patella diameter is a feature of continuous variation, the majority of small patellas represent simply the lower extreme of normal anatomic variation.

   3 more examples

   Subluxed patellas, more commonly referred to as slipped stifles, like all inherited factors will continue to cripple a breed as long as breeders continue to mate affected animals.

   2004, Ann Seranne, The Joy of Breeding Your Own Show Dog, page 188

   Both patellae are well preserved for Dolni Věstonice 3 and 13-15, and the left patella remains for Dolni Věstonice 16 (Figures 18.22 to 18.26).

   2006, Erik Trinkaus, “18: The Lower Limb Remains”, in Erik Trinkaus, Jiří Svoboda, editors, Early Modern Human Evolution in Central Europe, page 395

   The patellae may be up to 30° externally rotated at birth. In young children it is considered normal for the patellae to be externally rotated, but by 5 years of age the patellae should face forwards.

   2009, P. Tohomson, “14: Assessment of the paediatric patient”, in Ben Yates, editor, Merriman's Assessment of the Lower Limb, page 401

   Synonyms: kneecap, kneepan, rotula

2. A little dish or vase.
3. biologyAn orbicular sessile apothecium, with a marginal rim distinct from the thallus.

plural patellas

1. alternativeAlternative form of putelee (“type of boat”).

plural Patellas

1. A surname from Italian.