Pronunciation: [sˌɛmɪlˈuːne͡ə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "semilunare" can be a bit tricky for English speakers. It is pronounced /sɛmɪluːnɛə(r)/ and is of Latin origin. The word refers to something that is shaped like a crescent or the half-moon. The "semi" prefix in the word means half, while "lunare" relates to the moon. The correct spelling is important as it ensures clear communication, especially in technical or medical contexts where precision is key.
Semilunare is a term used in anatomy to refer to a bony structure or cartilage found in certain parts of the body. The term originates from the Latin word "semilunaris," which means "crescent-shaped" or "half-moon." It is often used to describe structures that resemble the shape of a crescent moon.
In the context of anatomy, the term semilunare is commonly used to refer to two specific structures:
1. Semilunare Bone: Located in the wrist joint, the semilunare bone is one of the eight small carpal bones that make up the carpus or the wrist. It is positioned between the lunate bone and the triquetrum bone. The semilunare bone is named after its crescent-shaped structure.
2. Semilunare Cartilage: This refers to a crescent-shaped cartilage located in the knee joint, specifically within the lateral meniscus. It acts as a cushion, reducing friction between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia) during movement.
Overall, the term semilunare is predominantly used in anatomical contexts to describe structures that exhibit a half-moon shape, such as the semilunare bone in the wrist and the semilunare cartilage in the knee.
Os lunatum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "semilunare" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from two Latin words: "semi-" meaning "half" and "lunare" meaning "moon". When combined, "semilunare" signifies something that is "half-moon" or "crescent-shaped". This term is commonly used in anatomy to refer to various moon-shaped structures or bones in the body.
