knee

knee [nē]

n.

[ME kne < OE cneow, akin to Ger knie < IE base * ĝeneu- > Sans jā́nu, Gr gony, gonia, L genu, a knee]

1.

a) the joint between the thigh and the lower part of the human leg

b) the front part of the leg at this joint

2. a joint regarded as corresponding or similar to the human knee, as a joint in the leg of a quadruped or bird

3. anything resembling or suggesting a knee, esp. a bent knee; specif.,

a) a bent piece of wood used as a brace

b) a protuberant, woody growth on certain trees

4. the part of a stocking, trouser leg, etc. that covers the knee

vt.

kneed, kneeing

1. to hit or touch with the knee

2. Carpentry to fasten with a KNEE (sense 3a) or knees

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bring to one's knees

to force to submit or give in