# cruciate

/kɹˈuːʃɪˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cruciate
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

shaped like a cross, with two parts that cross each other. You see it most often in talk about the knee, like the anterior cruciate ligament.

For teachers: shaped like a cross; formed by two structures that intersect. Used chiefly in anatomy for paired ligaments in the knee that cross each other to stabilize the joint.

## Examples

- The doctor checks his cruciate ligament after the fall.
- The footballer misses the season after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament during training.
- The scan shows a complete tear of the cruciate ligament, an injury that often needs surgery and months of careful rehab before an athlete moves normally again.

## Usage notes

- Chiefly attributive in anatomical collocations such as 'cruciate ligament'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.