noun
meniscus
A curved pad of cartilage in the knee or another joint.
A torn meniscus causes pain when she bends her knee.
Etymology
The Greek word means a little moon or crescent. Anatomists applied that shape-name to the curved cartilage pads found in the knee and some other joints.
More examples
- The surgeon repairs the damaged meniscus through small incisions.
- Each knee has two menisci that help distribute body weight.
- Physical therapy helps him recover from a meniscus injury.
Forms
meniscus · menisci · meniscuses
meniscal adjective — Relating to a meniscus in a joint.
Similar words
- cartilage
- Names the supporting tissue generally, rather than a specific joint pad.