housemaid's knee

noun

: a swelling over the knee due to an enlargement of the bursa in the front of the patella

Word History

Etymology

from its occurrence among women who work a great deal on their knees

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of housemaid's knee was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near housemaid's knee

housemaid

housemaid's knee

housemaiding

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Cite this Entry

“Housemaid's knee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housemaid%27s%20knee. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

housemaid's knee

noun
: a swelling over the knee in front of the kneecap

Medical Definition

housemaid's knee

noun
house·​maid's knee ˈhau̇-ˌsmādz- How to pronounce housemaid's knee (audio)
: a swelling over the knee due to an enlargement of the bursa in the front of the patella
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