Knee: meaning, definitions and examples

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knee

[niː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

body part

The joint between the thigh and the lower leg in humans, which is supported by the patella or kneecap.

Synonyms

joint, kneecap, patella.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
knee	General term to refer to the middle joint of the leg; commonly used in everyday conversation and basic anatomical references. He fell and hurt his knee while playing soccer. She has a scar on her knee from the accident.
joint	Broader term that can refer to any point where two bones meet in the human body; often used in medical or anatomical discussions. The elderly man has pain in many of his joints. The knee is a complex joint that is prone to injury.
patella	Technical term for the kneecap; mainly used in medical, anatomical, or scientific contexts. The MRI showed that her patella was not aligned correctly. He had surgery to repair a torn patella tendon.
kneecap	Refers to the small, flat, triangular bone in front of the knee joint; commonly used when discussing injuries or medical conditions specifically related to this bone. She dislocated her kneecap during the hike. The doctor said the pain might be due to a fractured kneecap.

Examples of usage

My knee hurts after running.
She fell and scraped her knee.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

part of a piece of clothing

The part of a garment covering the knee.

Synonyms

area, part, section.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
knee	Specifically refers to the anatomical joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg. Often used in medical or casual conversations about injuries, physical conditions, or movements related to this body part. She injured her knee while playing soccer. Bend your knee slowly to avoid further pain.
part	Refers to a segment or section of a whole, which can be physical objects, concepts, or systems. Used in contexts ranging from assembling items to describing contributions to group tasks. This part of the machine needs to be replaced. Everyone played their part in the success of the project.
section	More formal term than ‘part’, often used in documentation, academics, or to describe divisions within larger entities. Commonly used in books, reports, and structured environments. Please read the next section of the textbook. The front section of the airplane is reserved for first-class passengers.
area	Used to describe a specific region or part of a larger space, which can be physical or abstract. Commonly used in geography, urban planning, and everyday speech to describe locations or sectors. This area of the city is known for its beautiful parks. The study area is designed for quiet reading and research.

Examples of usage

She wore a dress that came to her knees.
He patched the hole in his jeans near the knee.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

bend at the knee

To bend one's leg at the knee joint.

Synonyms

bend, crouch, flex.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
knee	The word 'knee' refers to the joint between the thigh and the lower leg. Use it mostly in medical or anatomical contexts, or in discussions about activities involving this part of the body. She injured her knee while playing soccer. The doctor examined my knee to check for any damage.
bend	Use 'bend' when talking about moving a part of your body, usually a limb or the back, to an angle. This word is often used in exercise, dance, or describing someone's motion. Remember to bend your knees when lifting heavy objects. She can bend her back and touch her toes easily.
flex	Use 'flex' to describe the action of tightening or contracting a muscle, often to show strength or to stretch. This term is commonly used in fitness or anatomical contexts. He flexed his muscles to show how strong he was. She flexed her foot to stretch her calf muscle.
crouch	The word 'crouch' is used when someone lowers their body by bending their knees, often when trying to remain hidden or to get closer to the ground. It can imply a more deliberate or careful movement. The cat crouched low before pouncing on the toy. He had to crouch behind the bushes to avoid being seen.

Examples of usage

He kneeled down to tie his shoe.
The dancer gracefully kneeled during the performance.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

The knee joint is the largest joint in the human body, providing support and allowing movement.
It connects the thigh bone (femur) with the shin bone (tibia) to help you walk, jump, and run.
Knees contain cartilage, which works like a cushion to help absorb shocks and reduce friction.

Sports

Many sports, like basketball and soccer, heavily rely on the knee for movement and are at risk for injuries.
Athletes often strengthen knee muscles to avoid common injuries such as sprains and tears.
The term 'knee injury' encompasses a range of issues, from minor pains to serious damage, affecting performance.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, kneeling is a sign of respect or submission, used in many religious traditions.
The phrase 'to bend the knee' signifies loyalty or allegiance, showcasing the knee's metaphorical significance.

Evolution

Early human ancestors walked on two legs, which required a knee capable of enduring more stress than in four-legged animals.
The evolution of the knee has allowed for bipedal locomotion, granting humans increased mobility and balance.

Injuries and Health

Common knee issues include arthritis, where the joint becomes inflamed and painful due to wear and tear.
Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the muscles around the knee after injury, promoting recovery.
Knee replacement surgery is a popular procedure for older adults experiencing severe pain, improving their quality of life.

Translations

Translations of the word "knee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 joelho

🇮🇳 घुटना

🇩🇪 Knie

🇮🇩 lutut

🇺🇦 коліно

🇵🇱 kolano

🇯🇵 膝 (ひざ)

🇫🇷 genou

🇪🇸 rodilla

🇹🇷 diz

🇰🇷 무릎

🇸🇦 ركبة

🇨🇿 koleno

🇸🇰 koleno

🇨🇳 膝盖 (xīgài)

🇸🇮 koleno

🇮🇸 hnéskel

🇰🇿 тізе

🇬🇪 მუხლი

🇦🇿 diz

🇲🇽 rodilla

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,772, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4769 interrupted
4770 blessed
4771 detect
4772 knee
4773 ongoing
4774 reject
4775 feasible
...