Definition of Cruciate
Cruciate: Cross-shaped. "Cruciate" comes from the Latin "crux" which means "cross". (That is the crux of this matter).
The cruciate ligaments are so-named because they cross each other. For example, there are cruciate ligaments that cross within the knee joint. These ligaments help provide stability and strength to the knee joint.
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Last Editorial Review: 3/25/1999 8:58:00 PM
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