Noun: meniscus (menisci,meniscuses) mi'nis-kus
- (physics) the curved upper surface of a nonturbulent liquid in a vertical tube
"The meniscus of the mercury in the thermometer was clearly visible"
- (anatomy) a disk of cartilage that serves as a cushion between the ends of bones that meet at a joint
"The meniscus in the knee helps distribute weight and reduce friction";
- semilunar cartilage
- (optics) a lens that is concave on one side and convex on the other
"The optometrist used a meniscus lens to correct her astigmatism"
Derived forms: menisci, meniscuses
Type of: cartilage, gristle, lens, lens system, surface
Encyclopedia: Meniscus