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ball-and-socket joint
(redirected from Ball-and-socket joints)

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.01 sec.
ball-and-sock·et joint (bôln-skt)
n.
1. A synovial joint, such as the shoulder or hip joint, in which a spherical knob or knoblike part of one bone fits into a cavity or socket of another, so that some degree of rotary motion is possible in every direction. Also called enarthrosis.
2. A joint, as in a mechanical device, that permits rotary movement in all directions through the movement of a ball in a socket. Also called ball joint.

ball-and-socket joint, ball joint
n
1. (Engineering / Mechanical Engineering) a coupling between two rods, tubes, etc., that consists of a spherical part fitting into a spherical socket, allowing free movement within a specific conical volume
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) Also called multiaxial joint Anatomy a bony joint, such as the hip joint, in which a rounded head fits into a rounded cavity, allowing a wide range of movement

ball-and-socket joint  (bôln-skt)
1. A joint, such as the shoulder or hip joint, in which a spherical knob or knoblike part of one bone fits into a cavity or socket of another, so that some degree of rotary motion is possible in every direction.
2. A mechanical device consisting of a spherical knob at the end of a shaft that fits securely into a socket. Ball-and-socket joints are used to connect parts of a machine that require rotary movement in nearly all directions. Ball-and-socket joints allow the front wheels of a car to be turned by the steering mechanism.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.ball-and-socket jointball-and-socket joint - a freely moving joint in which a sphere on the head of one bone fits into a rounded cavity in the other bone
articulatio synovialis, diarthrosis, synovial joint - a joint so articulated as to move freely
articulatio humeri, shoulder joint, shoulder - a ball-and-socket joint between the head of the humerus and a cavity of the scapula
articulatio coxae, coxa, hip joint, hip - the ball-and-socket joint between the head of the femur and the acetabulum
2.ball-and-socket jointball-and-socket joint - a joint that can rotate within a socket
joint - junction by which parts or objects are joined together
socket - receptacle where something (a pipe or probe or end of a bone) is inserted
Translations
ball-and-socket joint
nKugelgelenk nt


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For example, RCAI vacuum forms polyethylene into universal wrist/thumb splints and shoe inserts; and nylon is used for hinges, support plates, and ball-and-socket joints.
The aye-aye's finger has ball-and-socket joints, like those found in your shoulders and hips, so it's able to bend in all directions.
 
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