plural crura ˈkru̇r-ə How to pronounce crus (audio)
: any of various anatomical parts that resemble a leg or a pair of legs

Word History

Etymology

Latin crur-, crus

First Known Use

circa 1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crus was circa 1751

Dictionary Entries Near crus

Cite this Entry

“Crus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crus. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

crus

noun
plural crura ˈkru̇(ə)r-ə How to pronounce crus (audio)
1
: the lower or hind limb especially between the knee and the ankle or tarsus : shank
2
: any of various anatomical parts likened to a leg or to a pair of legs: as
a
: either of the diverging proximal ends of the corpora cavernosa
b
: the tendinous attachments of the diaphragm to the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae forming the sides of the aortic opening
often used in plural
c
crura plural : the peduncles of the cerebrum

called also crura cerebri

d
crura plural : the peduncles of the cerebellum
e
crura plural : the posterior pillars of the fornix

called also crura fornicis

f(1)
: a long bony process of the incus that articulates with the stapes
also : a shorter one projecting from the body of the incus perpendicular to this
(2)
: either of the two bony processes forming the sides of the arch of the stapes
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!