How Do You Spell ACETABULUM?

Pronunciation: [ˌasɪtˈabjʊləm] (IPA)

Acetabulum is a Latin word meaning "vinegar cup". The correct pronunciation of this word is /ˌæsəˈtæbjələm/. It is spelled as 'a-c-e-t-a-b-u-l-u-m'. The first 'a' sound is pronounced as the 'a' in 'cat', followed by 'c-e-t'. The second 'a' sound is pronounced as the 'a' in 'bat', followed by 'b-u-l'. The final 'u-m' sound is pronounced as the 'um' in 'scrum'. The word is commonly used in anatomy to refer to the socket of the hipbone.

ACETABULUM Meaning and Definition

1. Acetabulum, derived from the Latin word "acetum" meaning vinegar, is a noun that refers to a specific anatomical structure found in humans and other vertebrates. More specifically, the term is typically used in the context of human anatomy to describe a shallow, cup-shaped cavity located in the pelvic bone where the head of the femur (thigh bone) articulates to form the hip joint.

   Situated at the junction of three bones, namely the ilium, ischium, and pubis, the acetabulum functions as a key component of the hip joint, allowing for stability, flexibility, and fluid movement. The convex head of the femur sits within the concave acetabular socket, creating a ball-and-socket joint that enables a wide range of motion in various directions.

   The acetabulum's unique structure and design are crucial for weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running, and jumping, as it provides stability to the hip joint and allows for efficient transmission of forces from the leg to the pelvis. Furthermore, the acetabulum is lined with a layer of smooth, cartilaginous tissue, known as the articular cartilage, which assists in reducing friction and absorbs shocks during movement.

   Due to its anatomical significance and its vital role in movement and weight-bearing, the acetabulum is a noteworthy structure that is extensively studied in medical and anatomical disciplines.

2. Cotyloid cavity, a cup-shaped depression on the external surface of the innominate bone, in which the head of the femur fits.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. In zool., applied to such organs as the cuplike sucking-discs on the arms of the cuttlefish; in anat., the socket of the hip-joint; plu. Acetabula.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ACETABULUM

• acetablum
• acetabulm
• acetabulumm
• asetabulum
• acutabulum
• cerabulum
• acetabulur
• acectabulum

Etymology of ACETABULUM

The word "acetabulum" originates from Latin. It is derived from the word "acetum", meaning vinegar, and "tabulum", meaning a small table or shallow dish. In Latin, "acetabulum" specifically referred to a small vinegar or salad bowl. In anatomy, it is used to describe the socket of the hip joint, which resembles a shallow cup or dish.

Similar spelling words for ACETABULUM

• acetabular,
• actable.

Plural form of ACETABULUM is ACETABULA