What does acetabular mean?
The term acetabular refers to something related to or forming the socket of the hip joint. This can include the acetabular surface of the pelvis, which is a deep cup-shaped depression, or the acetabular labrum, a cartilaginous structure that surrounds the socket of the hip joint. Acetabular is a formal or technical term, often used in medical or anatomical contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday language, but is an important term in fields such as orthopedics and anatomy. The word acetabular comes from the Latin word acetabulum, meaning cup or socket. In medical contexts, acetabular is often used to describe the hip joint or the surrounding structures. Overall, acetabular is a useful term for medical professionals and students of anatomy, but may not be familiar to the general public.
adjectiveRelating to or forming the socket of the hip joint.
- Relating to or forming the socket of the hip joint.
"The acetabular surface of the pelvis is a deep cup-shaped depression."
"The acetabular surface of the pelvis is a deep cup-shaped depression."
"The acetabular labrum is a cartilaginous structure that surrounds the socket of the hip joint."
The plural form acetabulars is used to describe multiple hip joints or surrounding structures.
"The acetabulars of the pelvis are a pair of deep cup-shaped depressions."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of acetabular
The word acetabular comes from the Latin word acetabulum, meaning cup or socket. This Latin word is derived from the verb acetare, meaning to burn or heat, and the suffix -ulum, which forms a diminutive or a small cup. The term acetabular has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the socket of the hip joint.
Usage notes
Acetabular is a formal or technical term, often used in medical or anatomical contexts.