meniscus

• Nom désignant une structure ou une surface en forme de croissant, comme le disque de cartilage qui amortit une articulation, une lentille ayant une face concave et une face convexe, ou la surface incurvée d'un liquide dans un tube étroit.

A noun referring to a crescent-shaped structure or surface, such as a cartilage disk that cushions a joint, a lens with one concave and one convex side, or the curved upper surface of a liquid in a narrow tube.

pluriel irrégulier

1. Cartilage in a jointB2formalmedical

   A crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint, such as the knee.

   Ménisque (cartilage articulaire)

   • He tore his meniscus while playing soccer.
   • The surgeon repaired the damaged meniscus in her knee.
   • A healthy meniscus helps absorb shock during movement.

   Synonymessemilunar cartilage

2. Lens shapeC1formalscientific

   A lens that is concave on one side and convex on the other, used in optical instruments.

   Ménisque (optique)

   • The microscope uses a meniscus lens to focus light.
   • Meniscus lenses are common in eyeglasses for certain prescriptions.
   • The optical system was designed with a meniscus element.

3. Liquid surfaceC1formalscientific

   The curved upper surface of a liquid in a narrow tube, caused by surface tension.

   Ménisque (surface d'un liquide)

   • The meniscus of water in a glass tube is concave.
   • When reading a graduated cylinder, you should measure at the bottom of the meniscus.
   • Mercury forms a convex meniscus in a glass container.