cruciate

[ kroo-shee-it, -eyt ]

adjective

1. shaped like a cross; cross-shaped.
2. Botany. having the form of a cross with equal arms, as the flowers of mustard.
3. Entomology. crossing diagonally when at rest, as the wings of certain insects.

cruciate

/ ˈkruːʃɪɪt; -ˌeɪt /

adjective

1. shaped or arranged like a cross

   cruciate petals

noun

1. informal.
   1. short for cruciate ligament
   2. ( as modifier )

      cruciate problems

Derived Forms

• ˈcruciately, adverb

Other Words From

• cruci·ate·ly adverb
• post·cruci·ate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cruciate¹

1675–85; < New Latin cruciātus, equivalent to Latin cruci- (stem of crux ) cross + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cruciate¹

C17: from New Latin cruciātus, from Latin crux cross

Example Sentences

The hit also tore his lateral cruciate ligament, shredded the cartilage in his knee and tore the hamstring off the bone.

From Los Angeles Times

Returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury is Leia Edwards.

From Los Angeles Times

The former Ipswich and Bournemouth defender was making his first appearance in the competition, having only recently returned from 14 months out with a cruciate ligament injury.

From BBC

The teenager can operate excellently at left or right-back and has also been used in a defensive midfield role after Rodri sustained a season-ending injury when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

From BBC

But a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Prongos’ third game ended his high school career and scared off many recruiters who had been intrigued by his potential.

From Los Angeles Times