Inflected forms: pl. ac·e·tab·u·la (-l) 1.Anatomy The cup-shaped cavity at the base of the hipbone into which the ball-shaped head of the femur fits. 2.Zoology The cavity in the body of an insect into which the leg fits. 3.Zoology A cup-shaped structure, such as the sucker of a tapeworm or leech.
ETYMOLOGY:
Latin actbulum, vinegar cup, from actum, vinegar. See acetum.
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bulum, vinegar cup, from ac
