varus

adjective

var·​us ˈver-əs 

1

: of, relating to, or being a deformity in which an anatomical part is turned inward toward the midline of the body to an abnormal degree

a varus heel

2

: valgus sense 1

—used of the knee

varus noun

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin vārus "bent outwards with converging extremities, bow-legged," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

varus

adjective

var·​us ˈvar-əs, ˈver- 

1

: of, relating to, or being a deformity in which an anatomical part is turned inward toward the midline of the body to an abnormal degree

a varus heel

varus angulation of the little toe

see cubitus varus, talipes varus compare genu valgum, genu varum

2

: valgus sense 1

—used especially in orthopedics of the knee

changes spontaneously from the initial varus (bowing) to a valgus position (knock-knee) at about age 2 to 3

—Joan M. Walker

varus noun