- the joint of the leg that allows for movement between the femur and tibia and is protected by the patella; the central area of the leg between the thigh and the lower leg.
- the corresponding joint or region in the hind leg of a quadruped; stifle.
- a joint or region likened to this but not anatomically homologous with it, as the tarsal joint of a bird, the carpal joint in the forelimb of the horse or cow, etc.
- the part of a garment covering the knee.
- something resembling a bent knee, especially a rigid or braced angle between two framing members.
- the inward curve toward the top of a cabriole leg.
- Building Trades.
- the junction of the top and either of the uprights of a bent.
- a curved member for reinforcing the junction of two pieces meeting at an angle.
- a stone cut to follow a sharp return angle.
- to strike or touch with the knee.
- to secure (a structure, as a bent) with a knee.
- to go down on the knees; kneel.
- to force someone into submission or compliance.
- to squelch or humiliate (a person) suddenly and thoroughly: The speaker cut the heckler off at the knees.
- on one's / its knees,
- in a supplicatory position or manner: I came to him on my knees for the money.
- in a desperate or declining condition: The country's economy is on its knees.
- to kneel on one knee, usually with the opposite leg also bent at a 90-degree angle and placed forward with the foot on the ground, as in sports or as a posture in protests and demonstrations: Our soccer team would take a knee if a player on either team was injured.Organizers are coordinating so the crowds at every state capitol will take a knee in protest of racial injustice simultaneously, across time zones.
- the joint of the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
- the area surrounding and above this joint
- reaching or covering the knee
- a corresponding or similar part in other vertebrates
- the part of a garment that covers the knee
- the upper surface of a seated person's thigh
- anything resembling a knee in action, such as a device pivoted to allow one member angular movement in relation to another
- anything resembling a knee in shape, such as an angular bend in a pipe
- any of the hollow rounded protuberances that project upwards from the roots of the swamp cypress: thought to aid respiration in waterlogged soil
- to kneel or submit
- to force someone into submission
- to cause something to be in a weakened or impoverished state
- to strike, nudge, or push with the knee
