crus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/ProfessionalTechnical/Scientific/Medical
Quick answer
What does “crus” mean?
The part of the leg between the knee and the ankle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The part of the leg between the knee and the ankle; specifically, the shin.
In anatomy, zoology, and botany: a structure resembling or analogous to a leg or shank. In medicine: used to denote parts of various organs or structures that are pillar-like or leg-shaped (e.g., cerebral crura).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is standardized in international scientific nomenclature.
Connotations
Neutral, precise, technical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, confined almost exclusively to academic and professional texts in relevant fields.
Grammar
How to Use “crus” in a Sentence
the [adjective] crus of the [noun]the crus [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crus” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The MRI showed a clear view of the cerebral crura.
- The fracture was localised to the crus.
American English
- The neurologist pointed to the crus cerebri on the scan.
- The hernia involved the lateral crus of the diaphragm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in anatomy, neurology, and biology. Example: 'The lesion affected the cerebral crus.'
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Essential in medical diagnostics, surgery, and zoological description. Example: 'The surgeon repaired the medial crus of the inguinal canal.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crus”
- Using 'crus' as a common word for 'leg'.
- Mispronouncing as /kruːs/.
- Forgetting the plural 'crura'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized scientific and medical term derived from Latin.
The plural is 'crura', also from Latin.
No. 'Cross' is from Latin 'crux'. 'Crus' means 'leg' or 'shin'. They are different Latin roots.
It is essential for medical doctors (especially neurologists, surgeons, anatomists), veterinarians, and biologists.
The part of the leg between the knee and the ankle.
Crus is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.
Crus: in British English it is pronounced /krʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /krəs/ or /krʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CRUSader' wearing greaves (armour) on his shins (crus).
Conceptual Metaphor
LEG/PILLAR FOR SUPPORT AND CONDUCTION (e.g., neural pathways are 'legs' of the brain).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'crus'?