Definition of "knee" in English

noun

1. (anatomy) In humans, the joint or the region of the joint in the middle part of the leg between the thigh and the shank.

   • Penny was wearing a miniskirt, so she skinned her exposed knees when she fell.

2. In the horse and allied animals, the carpal joint, corresponding to the wrist in humans.

3. In birds:

4. The part of a garment that covers the knee.

5. (shipbuilding) A piece of timber or metal formed with an angle somewhat in the shape of the human knee when bent.

6. (archaic) An act of kneeling, especially to show respect or courtesy.

7. Any knee-shaped item or sharp angle in a line; an inflection point.

   • the knee of a graph

8. A blow made with the knee; a kneeing.

9. (figurative) The presence of a parent etc., where a young child acquires early knowledge.

verb

1. (transitive, archaic) To kneel to.

2. (transitive) To poke or strike with the knee.

   • When I blocked her from leaving, she kneed me in the groin.

3. (reflexive) To move on the knees; to use the knees to move.