Definition

1. Noun:

   • A leg bowed outward at the knee (or below the knee): A condition where the leg curves outward, causing a distinct gap between the knees when the ankles are together. This is a structural alignment of the leg bone.
   • The condition of having such legs: The state of being bowlegged.

2. Adjective:

   • Having legs that curve outward at the knees: Describing a person or animal whose legs have an outward curvature, creating a noticeable space between the knees when standing with feet together.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The old cowboy walked with a distinct bowleg from a lifetime on horseback.
  • Rickets in childhood can sometimes lead to a permanent bowleg.

• Adjective:

  • The bowleg stance was characteristic of many riders from that era.
  • He was slightly bowleg, but it didn't affect his ability to run.

Advanced Usage

• Medical/Anatomical Context: In medicine, "bowleg" describes the condition . It is often discussed in contrast to ().
  • The pediatrician monitored the infant's development to ensure his bowleg was physiological and not pathological.

Variants and Related Words

• Bowlegged (Adjective): The more common adjectival form.

  • The bowlegged sailor walked with a rolling gait.

• Genu Varum (Noun): The formal medical term for the bowleg condition.

Synonyms

• Bandylegged (Adjective): Having legs curved outward.
• Bandy-legged (Adjective): Alternative spelling.

Antonyms

• Knock-kneed (Adjective): Having knees that bend inward and touch when standing straight.

Adjective

1. have legs that curve outward at the knees

Noun

1. a leg bowed outward at the knee (or below the knee)