acetabulum
|ac-e-tab-u-lum|
/ˌæsɪˈtæbjʊləm/
hip socket
Etymology
'acetabulum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acetabulum,' where 'acetum' meant 'vinegar' and '-bulum' was a suffix used to denote a container.
'acetabulum' has remained largely unchanged from its Latin origins, maintaining its meaning as a container or socket.
Initially, it meant 'a small vinegar cup,' but over time it evolved into its current anatomical meaning of 'hip socket.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a cup-shaped socket in the hip bone that receives the head of the femur, forming the hip joint.
The acetabulum is a critical component of the hip joint.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a structure in certain invertebrates, such as cephalopods, that functions as a sucker.
The octopus uses its acetabula to grip surfaces.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/18 04:06