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Added 9 October 2026

kneecap

/ˈniːˌkæp/ noun

In Latin: patella Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about kneecap at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The flat, roundish bone in the knee.
A metal cover trim that fits over a panel rib after it has been cut and bent.
A cap or strong covering for the knees, used chiefly for horses, to protect their knees in case of a fall.

verb

To destroy the knees of (a person), usually by shooting at the knees, as a punishment carried out by criminals or terrorists.
To attack (someone) in a way that is excessively and needlessly damaging: to cut (someone) off at the knees.

Origin

From knee + cap.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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