bow legged etymology

Etymology of "bow-legged"

The term "bow-legged" is derived from two words:

  • "Bow" (noun): A curved or arched shape, resembling the shape of a bow used for archery.
  • "Leg" (noun): A limb that connects the foot to the torso.

Meaning of "bow-legged"

"Bow-legged" is an adjective that describes a condition in which the legs are curved outward, with the knees farther apart than usual at the top and the feet closer together at the bottom. This creates the appearance of a bow or an arc.

Origin of the term

The term "bow-legged" has been in use since at least the 16th century. It was first used in a medical context to describe a specific developmental condition known as genu varum. Genu varum is a condition in which the tibia (shinbone) is angled outward, causing the legs to curve in a bow-like shape.

Over time, the term "bow-legged" has also been used more generally to describe any condition in which the legs are curved outward, regardless of the underlying cause. This includes conditions such as:

  • Rickets, a condition caused by vitamin D deficiency
  • Blount's disease, a condition that affects the growth of the tibia
  • Engelmann's disease, a condition that affects the growth of the radius and ulna (forearm bones)

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