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rotule

kneecap

noun ro-TUL Rare
Body & Health Body Parts

Origin: Latin rotula ('small wheel'), diminutive of rota ('wheel')

Also means

ball-and-socket joint

Usage Note

Rotule primarily means the patella (kneecap). The familiar expression être sur les rotules ('to be on one's kneecaps') means to be completely exhausted — equivalent to 'to be dead on one's feet'. In mechanics, une rotule also refers to a ball joint, as in a car's suspension.

Examples

"Il s'est blessé à la rotule lors du match."

Natural Translation

He injured his kneecap during the match.

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