Meniscus (Noun)
Meaning 1
(optics) a lens that is concave on one side and convex on the other.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The lens had a unusual meniscus shape, which made it difficult to manufacture.
- The optician carefully ground the meniscus to precise specifications.
- The invention of the meniscus lens revolutionized the field of optics in the 19th century.
- The telescope's objective lens was a meniscus, which helped to correct for aberrations.
- The meniscus lens was used to focus the sun's rays onto a small area, creating a intense beam of light.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
(physics) the curved upper surface of a nonturbulent liquid in a vertical tube.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The meniscus of the water in the test tube was concave due to the adhesive forces between the liquid and the container.
- When the surface tension of a liquid is high its meniscus will be more pronounced and visible.
- In capillary action the meniscus of the liquid in a narrow tube will be curved and rise higher than the surrounding liquid.
- The shape of the meniscus can be used to determine the surface tension of a liquid.
- The meniscus of a liquid can be concave or convex depending on the wettability of the container.
Meaning 3
(anatomy) a disk of cartilage that serves as a cushion between the ends of bones that meet at a joint.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The meniscus in the knee joint helps to absorb shock and reduce friction between the femur and tibia bones.
- Injury to the meniscus can cause pain and swelling in the knee, making it difficult to walk or run.
- The doctor used an MRI to confirm that the patient had torn the meniscus in her right knee.
- Kneeling for long periods can put pressure on the meniscus, leading to wear and tear over time.
- Surgery may be necessary to repair or replace a damaged meniscus in order to restore joint function and alleviate pain.