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Elbow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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elbow

[หˆษ›lboสŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

body part

The joint between the upper and lower parts of the arm where it bends in the middle.

Synonyms

articulation, hinge, joint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elbow

Commonly used in everyday language referring specifically to the joint between the upper and lower arm. Often used in casual conversations, health contexts or when talking about arm movements.

  • He hurt his elbow during the soccer game
  • She rested her elbows on the table while talking
joint

Used broadly to refer to any point where two bones meet in the body. It is suitable for both casual and formal contexts and can refer to any part of the body, not just the elbow.

  • She suffers from joint pain due to arthritis
  • The knee joint is essential for walking and running
hinge

This word is often used in mechanical contexts to describe a type of joint that allows for bending movement. It can also describe the function of joints in the body, but in a more mechanical sense.

  • The door hinge needs oiling
  • The elbow acts like a hinge, allowing the arm to bend
articulation

Used in more formal or technical contexts, particularly in anatomy, medicine, or when referring to the movement capabilities of joints in general.

  • The doctor examined the articulation of her shoulder
  • The articulation between bones allows for smooth movement

Examples of usage

  • The tennis player injured her elbow during the match.
  • He rested his elbow on the table while reading the book.
  • She gently nudged him with her elbow to get his attention.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

Push or jostle someone with one's elbow.

Synonyms

jostle, nudge, shove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elbow

Use 'elbow' when you refer to the action of pushing someone or something with your bent arm, commonly done in crowded places or to make room.

  • She had to elbow her way through the crowd to get to the concert stage
nudge

Use 'nudge' when you want to describe a gentle push with your elbow or hand to attract someone's attention or encourage them to move. It is often used in a friendly or subtle manner.

  • He gave her a nudge to remind her it was her turn to speak
jostle

Use 'jostle' to describe pushing or knocking against someone roughly, especially in a crowd. This word often has a sense of competition or disorder.

  • The commuters jostled each other to get onto the packed train
shove

Use 'shove' for pushing someone or something roughly or forcefully. This often carries a negative connotation and implies a lack of care or aggression.

  • She was shoved out of the way as people rushed to grab the free samples

Examples of usage

  • He elbowed his way through the crowd to get to the front.
  • She elbowed him in the ribs to make him stop talking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The elbow connects three bones: the humerus, which is in the upper arm, and the radius and ulna in the forearm.
  • It allows for movements like bending and straightening, influenced by ligaments and tendons that stabilize it.

Cultural References

  • In medieval times, the elbow was often depicted in art symbolizing strength and physical power.
  • The term 'elbow grease' refers to hard work, highlighting the connection between the elbow and manual labor.

Sports

  • In sports like baseball and tennis, elbow injuries are common and often require careful treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Certain exercises, like push-ups, engage the elbow joint significantly, showcasing its role in strength training.

Idioms and Expressions

  • Phrases like 'to elbow your way through' evoke images of pushing through a crowd, illustrating the joint's metaphorical associations with forceful movement.
  • Expressions about 'bending the elbow' can refer to both drinking and making the arm moveโ€”often humorously interpreted in different contexts.

Origin of 'elbow'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'elnboga,' which means 'arm-bow'โ€”referring to the bending of the arm.
  • In various languages, the word for elbow shares similar roots, showing how cultures describe this joint.

The word 'elbow' originated from the Old English word 'elnboga', which literally means 'forearm' (eln) and 'bend' (boga). The term has been used since the 12th century to refer to the joint between the upper and lower parts of the arm. Throughout history, the elbow has been a symbol of strength, flexibility, and dexterity in various cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,209 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.