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Glite Dictionary
genu varum

genu varum

9.9
Legs that curve outward at the knees, leaving a space between the lower legs
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒiːnuː ˈværəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : genu varum
  • The doctor diagnosed the child with genu varum after noting the outward curve of his legs.

Examples

  • Surgery may be required in severe cases of genu varum to straighten the legs.

  • Genu varum can sometimes correct itself in young children as they grow older.

  • He was diagnosed with genu varum at a young age.

  • Many athletes suffer from genu varum due to their training.

  • The doctor diagnosed the child with genu varum after examining his bowing legs.

  • Children with genu varum may require special shoes to help correct their leg alignment.

  • In some cases, physical therapy can help improve the symptoms of genu varum.

Synonyms

bowlegs
vsgenu varum
6.6

Legs that curve outward at the knees so the knees stay apart when the feet are together

is the medical name for the same outward leg curvature
bow leg
vsgenu varum
7.1

Legs that curve outward below the knee so the knees stay apart when the feet are together

is the clinical term used for that outward bowing of the legs
tibia vara
vsgenu varum
  • Specialized
9.9

The lower leg bows outward below the knee

is the broader term for outward leg bowing not limited to one disease

Surface Forms

genu varum singular
genu varums plural

Morphology

genu + varum

This is a Latin medical term rather than a productive English phrase: while 'genu' relates to the knee, 'varum' is not an English word and the compound follows specialized anatomical/Latin morphology. A B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not be able to deduce the meaning 'bowleggedness', so the expression is not compositionally transparent for general learners.

Etymology

Genu varum comes from Latin: genu means 'knee' and varum means 'bent outward'. So the name describes legs that curve out at the knees, which is why it means 'bowleggedness'.