meniscus
UK[mɪˈnɪs.kəs]US[məˈnɪs.kəs]
n
the curved upper surface of a liquid in a tube, caused by surface tension.
n
a thin piece of cartilage between the surfaces of some joints, especially the knee.
Morpheme Breakdown
men
iscus
men
crescent
iscus
diminutive suffix
Etymology
the word 'meniscus' originates from the greek 'mēniskos', a diminutive of 'mēnē' (moon). it entered english via modern latin, retaining its core lunar imagery. the term was adopted into scientific vocabulary due to the visual resemblance between the curved shape of a crescent moon and the curved surface of a liquid in a narrow tube or a piece of cartilage in a joint. thus, the literal meaning 'little moon' evolved into its modern, precise anatomical and physical definitions.
Analysis
Structure: men (crescent) + iscus (diminutive suffix)
men (from greek mēnē, meaning 'moon, crescent'); iscus (a latin diminutive suffix indicating a small or lesser version).
Examples
the water in the graduated cylinder formed a concave meniscus.
the athlete tore his meniscus during the game and required surgery.
when measuring liquid volume, always read the level at the bottom of the meniscus.