kneecap

knee +‎ cap

kneecap (plural kneecaps)

1. The flat, roundish bone in the knee.
2. (roofing) A metal cover trim that fits over a panel rib after it has been cut and bent.
3. A cap or strong covering for the knees, used chiefly for horses, to protect their knees in case of a fall.

• (bone): kneepan, patella, rotula, scutum

kneecap (third-person singular simple present kneecaps, present participle kneecapping, simple past and past participle kneecapped)

1. (transitive) To destroy the knees of (a person), usually by shooting at the knees, as a punishment carried out by criminals or terrorists.

• This term is considered a misnomer by medical professionals because only a very small minority of victims suffer damage to the kneecap.

• kneecapping
• kneecapper