'Patella' definitions:
Definition of 'patella'
(from WordNet)
noun
A small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint [syn: patella, kneecap, kneepan]
noun
Type genus of the family Patellidae: common European limpets [syn: Patella, genus Patella]
Definition of 'Patella'
From: GCIDE
- Patella \Pa*tel"la\, n.; pl. Patell[ae]. [L., a small pan, the kneepan, dim. of patina, patena, a pan, dish.]
- 1. A small dish, pan, or vase. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Anat.) The kneecap; the kneepan; the cap of the knee. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Zool.) 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. [1913 Webster]
- 4. (Bot.) A kind of apothecium in lichens, which is orbicular, flat, and sessile, and has a special rim not a part of the thallus. [1913 Webster]