patella Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint
    kneecap; kneepan.
  2. noun type genus of the family Patellidae: common European limpets
    genus Patella.

WordNet

Pa*tel"la noun
Etymology
L., a small pan, the kneepan, dim. of patina, patena, a pan, dish.
Wordforms
plural Patellæ
Definitions
  1. A small dish, pan, or vase.
  2. (Anat.) The kneepan; the cap of the knee. kneecap
  3. (Zoöl.) 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.
  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.

Webster 1913