hamstring
[ ham-string ]
/ ˈhæmˌstrɪŋ /
noun
(in humans and other primates) any of the tendons that bound the ham of the knee.
(in quadrupeds) the great tendon at the back of the hock.
verb (used with object), ham·strung, ham·string·ing.
to disable by cutting the hamstring or hamstrings; cripple.
to render powerless or useless; thwart: Their efforts were hamstrung by stubborn pride.
Nearby words
hampton, lionel, hampton, wade, hamshackle, hamster, hamster wheel, hamstring, hamstring muscle, hamsun, hamsun, knut, hamtramck, hamular
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for hamstrung
British Dictionary definitions for hamstrung
hamstring
/ (ˈhæmˌstrɪŋ) /
noun
anatomy any of the tendons at the back of the kneeRelated adjective: popliteal
the large tendon at the back of the hock in the hind leg of a horse, etc
verb -strings, -stringing or -strung (tr)
to cripple by cutting the hamstring of
to ruin or thwart
Word Origin for hamstring
C16: ham 1 + string
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
Medicine definitions for hamstrung
hamstring
[ hăm′strĭng′ ]
n.
Any of the tendons at the rear hollow of the human knee.
hamstrings The hamstring muscle.
The large tendon in the back of the hind tarsal joint of the quadruped.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for hamstrung
hamstring
[ hăm′strĭng′ ]
A powerful group of muscles at the back of the thigh that arise in the hip and pelvis and insert as strong tendons behind the knee. The hamstring bends the knee and helps to straighten the hip.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.