crus

noun

ˈkrüs  ˈkrəs 

plural crura ˈkru̇r-ə 

: any of various anatomical parts that resemble a leg or a pair of legs

Word History

Etymology

Latin crur-, crus

First Known Use

circa 1751, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

crus

noun

ˈkrüs  ˈkrəs 

plural crura ˈkru̇(ə)r-ə 

1

: the lower or hind limb especially between the knee and the ankle or tarsus : shank

2

: any of various anatomical parts likened to a leg or to a pair of legs: as

a

: either of the diverging proximal ends of the corpora cavernosa

b

: the tendinous attachments of the diaphragm to the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae forming the sides of the aortic opening

—often used in plural

c

crura plural : the peduncles of the cerebrum

called also crura cerebri

d

crura plural : the peduncles of the cerebellum

e

crura plural : the posterior pillars of the fornix

called also crura fornicis

f(1)

: a long bony process of the incus that articulates with the stapes

also : a shorter one projecting from the body of the incus perpendicular to this

(2)

: either of the two bony processes forming the sides of the arch of the stapes