bursa

[bur-suh]

noun, plural bur·sae [bur-see] /ˈbɜr si/, bur·sas.

Anatomy, Zoology. a pouch, sac, or vesicle, especially a sac containing synovia, to facilitate motion, as between a tendon and a bone.

Origin of bursa

1795–1805; < New Latin, Late Latin bursa a bag, pouch, purse < Greek býrsa a skin, hide

Related formsbur·sal, adjectivebur·sate

[bur-seyt] /ˈbɜr seɪt/, adjectivepost·bur·sal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bursae

Historical Examples of bursae

In a general way, inflammation and other affections of bursae and thecae are considered very similar to like affections of joints.
Lameness of the Horse
John Victor Lacroix
Hernial protrusion of a portion of a bursa is sometimes seen after injuries of bursae.
Surgery, with Special Reference to Podiatry
Maximilian Stern
The bursae most commonly involved are the prepatellar and that over the metatarsal joint of the great toe.
Surgery, with Special Reference to Podiatry
Maximilian Stern
Wounds of bursae should be thoroughly disinfected and drained; they usually heal with obliteration of the sac.
Surgery, with Special Reference to Podiatry
Maximilian Stern

British Dictionary definitions for bursae

bursa

noun plural -sae (-siː) or -sas

a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between movable parts of the body, esp at joints

zoology any saclike cavity or structure

Derived Formsbursal, adjective

Word Origin for bursa

C19: from Medieval Latin: bag, pouch, from Greek: skin, hide; see purse

Bursa

noun

a city in NW Turkey: founded in the 2nd century bc; seat of Bithynian kings. Pop: 1 413 000 (2005 est)Former name: Brusa

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for bursae

bursa

by 1788 as an English word in physiology, shortened from medieval Latin bursa mucosa "mucus pouch," from Medieval Latin bursa "bag, purse," from Late Latin bursa, variant of byrsa "hide," from Greek byrsa "hide, skin, wineskin, drum," of unknown origin; cf. purse (n.).

Medicine definitions for bursae

bursa

[bûr′sə]

n. pl. bur•sas

A sac or saclike bodily cavity, especially one containing a viscous lubricating fluid and located between a tendon and a bone or at points of friction between moving structures.

Related formsbur′sal adj.

Science definitions for bursae