bow leg
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A condition in which a person's legs curve outward at the knees (or below the knees), creating a noticeable gap between the knees when the ankles are together. This is a physical deformity or alignment of the leg bones.
Usage
The term "bow leg" is used to describe the physical appearance or medical condition of having legs that bend outward. It is often used in medical, anatomical, or descriptive contexts.
Examples
- The old cowboy walked with a distinctive gait due to his bow leg.
- Rickets in childhood can sometimes lead to the development of a bow leg.
- The doctor examined the child for signs of bow leg.
Advanced Usage
- Medical Terminology: In formal medical contexts, the condition is often referred to as "genu varum."
- Descriptive Use: Can be used descriptively outside of strict medical diagnosis, e.g., "He had a slight bow leg from years in the saddle."
Variants and Related Words
- Bowlegged (Adjective): Having bow legs.
- The bowlegged man found it difficult to run.
- Bowlegs (Noun, plural): The condition of having two bow legs.
- The condition corrected itself, and the baby's bowlegs straightened out.
Synonyms
- Genu varum (medical term)
- Bandy leg
Antonyms
- Knock-knee (genu valgum)
Notes
"Bow leg" typically refers to a single leg with this curvature, while "bowlegs" (plural) refers to the condition affecting both legs. The adjective form "bowlegged" is commonly used to describe a person.
Noun
- a leg bowed outward at the knee (or below the knee)
- outward curvature of the legs