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.

Chen, however, told Lisa Wolff that her husband’s lower leg was ischemic and had received no blood due to Wang’s cauterization of the popliteal artery.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

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

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 fibular vein drains the muscles and integument in proximity to the fibula and also joins the popliteal vein.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Exit, immediately inside semi-tendinosus tendon at level of central popliteal crease.

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