SHANK BONE Meaning and
Definition
-
The shank bone can be defined as a long, slender bone found in the lower portion of a human or animal leg, joining the knee or hock to the ankle or foot. It is one of the major weight-bearing bones responsible for support and movement. In humans, the shank bone is officially known as the tibia, also referred to as the shinbone, located on the front side of the leg, parallel to the fibula.
In animals, particularly larger quadrupeds like cattle, sheep, or deer, the shank bone refers specifically to the lower portion of the leg, comprising the tibia, fibula, and surrounding tissues. This bone provides structural support while allowing the animal to walk, run, and carry its weight efficiently. It is primarily composed of dense, hard bone tissue, featuring a slight curvature and often tapering towards the lower end.
Traditionally, the shank bone holds significant culinary importance. It is a flavorful and nutrient-rich cut often used in various recipes, particularly in soups, stews, and slow-cooked dishes. Its meat is dense and tough, requiring long cooking times to become tender and develop a rich, savory taste. Symbolically, the shank bone is also an integral part of the Passover Seder plate in Jewish culture, representing the lamb sacrifice of ancient times.
-
1. The tibia. 2. The middle metacarpal (or metatarsal) bone, or cannon bone, in the horse.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SHANK BONE
- ahank bone
- zhank bone
- xhank bone
- dhank bone
- ehank bone
- whank bone
- sgank bone
- sbank bone
- snank bone
- sjank bone
- suank bone
- syank bone
- shznk bone
- shsnk bone
- shwnk bone
- shqnk bone
- shabk bone
- shamk bone
- shajk bone
- shahk bone
Etymology of SHANK BONE
The word "shank bone" is a compound noun consisting of two separate words: "shank" and "bone".
The term "shank" originated from the Old English word "sceanca", which referred to the lower part of the leg, typically between the knee and ankle. It is related to the Old Norse word "skakkr" meaning "crooked" or "slanting". Over time, the term "shank" came to be used to describe the lower part of an animal's leg, such as the bone found in a leg of lamb or beef.
The word "bone" comes from the Old English word "bān", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bainam". This term has ancient roots in Indo-European languages and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages such as German "Knochen" and Dutch "been".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
