Synonyms

popliteal

American

[pop-lit-ee-uhl, pop-li-tee-] / pɒpˈlɪt i əl, ˌpɒp lɪˈti- /

adjective

Anatomy.

of or relating to the ham, or part of the leg back of the knee.

popliteal British

/ pɒpˈlɪtɪəl, ˌpɒplɪˈtiːəl /

adjective

of, relating to, or near the part of the leg behind the knee

"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

Etymology

Origin of popliteal

First recorded in 1780–90; poplite(us) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Wolffs allege that Wang actually cut the popliteal artery, which is the main supplier of blood to the knee and lower leg.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

Initially, the doctor informed Lisa Wolff that her husband had developed a blood clot in his popliteal artery and amputation might be necessary, according to the lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

The team said the operation on the 24-year-old from Plano, Texas, took place at New York-Presbyterian Hospital on Parks’ popliteal artery.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2021

The anterior tibial vein drains the area near the tibialis anterior muscle and combines with the posterior tibial vein and the fibular vein to form the popliteal vein.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

I saw several such cases, some of the most confirmed being wounds of the knee-joint complicated by injury to the popliteal vessels or nerves.

From Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900 Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small Calibre by Makins, George Henry

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023