NYT Dictionary

PATELLA

/pəˈtɛlə/
Nounpa-TEL-lapa-tel-la · 3 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2025

Meaning

The sesamoid bone of the knee; the kneecap.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Latin patella (“a small pan or dish, a plate; the kneepan, patella”), diminutive of patina (“a broad shallow dish, pan”). Doublet of paella.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle:

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