knee

[ nee ]

noun

1. Anatomy. the joint of the leg that allows for movement between the femur and tibia and is protected by the patella; the central area of the leg between the thigh and the lower leg.
2. Zoology. the corresponding joint or region in the hind leg of a quadruped; stifle.
3. a joint or region likened to this but not anatomically homologous with it, as the tarsal joint of a bird, the carpal joint in the forelimb of the horse or cow, etc.
4. the part of a garment covering the knee.
5. something resembling a bent knee, especially a rigid or braced angle between two framing members.
6. Also called hip, shoulder. Furniture. the inward curve toward the top of a cabriole leg.
7. Building Trades.
   1. the junction of the top and either of the uprights of a bent.
   2. a curved member for reinforcing the junction of two pieces meeting at an angle.
8. Also called kneeler. a stone cut to follow a sharp return angle.

verb (used with object)

, kneed, knee·ing.

1. to strike or touch with the knee.
2. to secure (a structure, as a bent) with a knee.

verb (used without object)

, kneed, knee·ing.

1. Obsolete. to go down on the knees; kneel.

knee

/ niː /

noun

1. the joint of the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella Technical namegenu genicular
2. 1. the area surrounding and above this joint
   2. modifier reaching or covering the knee

      knee socks

      knee breeches

3. a corresponding or similar part in other vertebrates
4. the part of a garment that covers the knee
5. the upper surface of a seated person's thigh

   the child sat on her mother's knee

6. anything resembling a knee in action, such as a device pivoted to allow one member angular movement in relation to another
7. anything resembling a knee in shape, such as an angular bend in a pipe
8. any of the hollow rounded protuberances that project upwards from the roots of the swamp cypress: thought to aid respiration in waterlogged soil
9. bend the knee or bow the knee
   to kneel or submit
10. bring someone to his knees
    to force someone into submission
11. bring something to its knees
    to cause something to be in a weakened or impoverished state

verb

1. tr to strike, nudge, or push with the knee

Word History and Origins

Origin of knee¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English kne, cne, knei, cneo, Old English cnēo(w); cognate with German Knie, Dutch knie, Old Norse knē, Gothic kniu, Latin genu, Greek góny, Sanskrit jānu, Hittite genu, all meaning “knee”

Word History and Origins

Origin of knee¹

Old English cnēow; compare Old High German kneo, Old Norse knē, Latin genu

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. bring someone to his / her knees, to force someone into submission or compliance.
2. cut (someone) off at the knees, to squelch or humiliate (a person) suddenly and thoroughly:

   The speaker cut the heckler off at the knees.

3. on one's / its knees,
   1. in a supplicatory position or manner:

      I came to him on my knees for the money.

   2. in a desperate or declining condition:

      The country's economy is on its knees.

4. take a knee, to kneel on one knee, usually with the opposite leg also bent at a 90-degree angle and placed forward with the foot on the ground, as in sports or as a posture in protests and demonstrations: Organizers are coordinating so the crowds at every state capitol will take a knee in protest of racial injustice simultaneously, across time zones.

   Our soccer team would take a knee if a player on either team was injured.

   Organizers are coordinating so the crowds at every state capitol will take a knee in protest of racial injustice simultaneously, across time zones.

More idioms and phrases containing knee

In addition to the idiom beginning with knee , also see bring to one's knees ; on bended knee .

Example Sentences

The American, 40, retired in February 2019 but has announced her competitive comeback having had successful knee surgery in April.

From BBC

The flanker missed the 2024 Six Nations because of a knee problem and the summer tour as a result of a hamstring injury.

From BBC

The Lakers are going to have to lean on Hayes as Redick announced veteran Christian Wood is going to miss at least the next four weeks after experiencing soreness in his left knee.

From Los Angeles Times

Nacua left the season opener after aggravating a knee injury, and he was sidelined for five games.

From Los Angeles Times

He was a runner, skier and long-distance biker when he was younger, and is in relatively good shape today but for a heart condition and “two bad knees and shoulders.”

From Los Angeles Times