KNUCKLEBONE Meaning and
Definition
-
Knucklebone refers to a small, hard, often rounded bone that is found as a joint or a component of the skeletal structure in many vertebrates, including humans. Also known as sesamoid bones, knucklebones are generally located within tendons, increasing mechanical efficiency at the joints and promoting smooth movements. The term specifically refers to the bones found at the joints of the fingers, called metacarpophalangeal joints, or commonly known as knuckles. These knucklebones effectively transfer force from the muscles to the fingers, enabling a range of movements and dexterity.
In addition to their functional role, knucklebones have also been historically significant in games and cultural practices. In various cultures, they have been used as gaming pieces in different versions of the traditional game knucklebones. This game involves tossing or throwing the small bones into the air and then catching or scoring points based on how they land.
Furthermore, the term "knucklebone" is sometimes used metaphorically to describe any small, hard object or element resembling a bone. For instance, in machinery, a knucklebone can refer to a rotating or pivoting joint that shares similarities with the structure and movement of a joint in the human hand, such as a hinge or a swivel point. In general, knucklebone is a multi-faceted term that encompasses both anatomical and metaphorical meanings, reflecting its varied use across different contexts.
Common Misspellings for KNUCKLEBONE
- knucklbones
- jnucklebone
- mnucklebone
- lnucklebone
- onucklebone
- inucklebone
- kbucklebone
- kmucklebone
- kjucklebone
- khucklebone
- knycklebone
- knhcklebone
- knjcklebone
- knicklebone
- kn8cklebone
- kn7cklebone
- knuxklebone
- knuvklebone
- knufklebone
- knudklebone
Etymology of KNUCKLEBONE
The word "knucklebone" has its roots in Old English and is derived from two Old English words: "cnyxle" meaning "knuckle" and "bān" meaning "bone". These two words were combined to form "cnuxleban" in Middle English, which eventually evolved into "knucklebone" in Modern English. The term refers to the bone at the base of a finger joint, often associated with the game of knucklebones (also known as jacks), which was historically played using the ankle bones of animals.
Similar spelling word for KNUCKLEBONE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
