patella

patella
    n 1: a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that
         protects the knee joint [syn: {patella}, {kneecap},
         {kneepan}]
    2: type genus of the family Patellidae: common European limpets
       [syn: {Patella}, {genus Patella}]
    

Patella \Pa*tel"la\, n.; pl. {Patell[ae]}. [L., a small pan, the
   kneepan, dim. of patina, patena, a pan, dish.]
   1. A small dish, pan, or vase.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Anat.) The kneecap; the kneepan; the cap of the knee.
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   3. (Zool.) A genus of marine gastropods, including many
      species of limpets. The shell has the form of a flattened
      cone. The common European limpet ({Patella vulgata}) is
      largely used for food.
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   4. (Bot.) A kind of apothecium in lichens, which is
      orbicular, flat, and sessile, and has a special rim not a
      part of the thallus.
      [1913 Webster]