Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a condition where the knees are positioned abnormally close together or touch each other while the ankles are spaced wide apart when standing with the feet together. This describes a specific alignment of the legs.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The old man walked with a distinctive, waddling gait because he was knock-kneed.
  • Some children are naturally knock-kneed for a period as they grow, but it often corrects itself.
  • The condition, known medically as genu valgum, is commonly referred to as being knock-kneed.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in medical, anatomical, or general descriptive contexts to describe posture or gait.
• It can be used figuratively to imply physical awkwardness or lack of coordination, though this is less common.
  • He moved through the crowded room in a knock-kneed shuffle.

Variants and Related Words

• Knock-knee (noun): The condition or state of being knock-kneed.
  • Severe knock-knee may require orthopedic intervention.
• Genu valgum (noun): The formal medical term for the condition.

Synonyms

• Valgus (adjective, medical): A term describing a part that is bent outward, away from the midline of the body. (Note: specifically describes the legs/knees).
• In-kneed (adjective, less common): A direct synonym for knock-kneed.

Antonyms

• Bowlegged (adjective): Having legs that curve outward at the knees.
• Genu varum (noun): The formal medical term for being bowlegged.

Adjective

1. having the knees abnormally close together and the ankles wide apart