Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

meniscus

noun

/məˈnɪskəs/

Definition

The crescent-shaped cartilage found in some joints of the body, mainly in the knee, which acts as a cushion and stabilizer for joint movement.

Examples

The torn meniscus in his knee required surgery for repair.
If you look carefully at the water level in the graduated cylinder, you’ll notice the meniscus curve at the top.
She learned how to properly measure liquids by observing the meniscus of the liquid in the test tube.

Meaning

In anatomy, the meniscus refers specifically to the fibrous cartilage in the knee that helps absorb shock and distribute weight. Additionally, in scientific contexts, a meniscus can refer to the curve of a liquid’s surface in a container, particularly in a graduated cylinder.