Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

acetabulum

Syllabification: (ac·e·tab·u·lum)
Pronunciation: /ˌasiˈtabyələm/
Definition of acetabulum

noun (plural acetabula /-lə/)

Anatomy
  • the socket of the hipbone, into which the head of the femur fits.
  • Zoology any cup-shaped structure, especially a sucker.

Derivatives

acetabular

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting a vinegar cup, hence a cup-shaped cavity): from Latin, from acetum 'vinegar' + -abulum, denoting a container

acetabulum in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of acetabulum in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

  |  Cite

More words in this category

Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

GET PRO ►

Shop for an Oxford dictionary
Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kər /
noun
an aggressive dog or one that is in poor condition …