acetabulum

acetabulum Definition

ac·etabu·lum (as′i tab′yo̵̅o̅ ləm, -yə-)

noun pl. -·la-lə or -·lums

Anat. the cup-shaped socket of the hipbone, into which the head of the thighbone fits
Zool.
1. any suction disc of flukes, leeches, cephalopods, etc.
2. the cavity into which an insect's leg fits

Etymology: L, orig., vinegar cup < acetum (see aceto-) + -abulum, dim. of -abrum, receptacle

acetabulum Related Forms

ac′·etab′u·lar (-lər) adjective

acetabulum Usage Examples

Converse of object

call: The ball is formed by the upper end of the femur, and the socket by part of the pelvis called the acetabulum.

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