malleolus

noun

mal·​le·​o·​lus mə-ˈlē-ə-ləs How to pronounce malleolus (audio)
plural malleoli -ˌlī How to pronounce malleolus (audio)
: an expanded projection or process at the distal end of the fibula or tibia at the level of the ankle:
a
: the expanded lower end of the fibula situated on the lateral side of the leg at the ankle

called also external malleolus, lateral malleolus

b
: a strong pyramid-shaped process of the tibia that projects distally on the medial side of its lower end at the ankle

called also internal malleolus, medial malleolus

c
: a small projection of the tibia on the posterior side of its lower end at the ankle

called also posterior malleolus

Dictionary Entries Near malleolus

Cite this Entry

“Malleolus.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/malleolus. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!