patella

noun

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

   “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.”

   “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.”

   “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).”

   “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.”

2. A little dish or vase.
3. An orbicular sessile apothecium, with a marginal rim distinct from the thallus.
4. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of putelee (“type of boat”).

name

1. A surname from Italian.