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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Elbow Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：arm joint (elbow)

elbow 🔊

/ˈelboʊ/

The joint in the middle of your arm that allows it to bend.

Elbow joint diagram showing a bent arm at 90 degrees, highlighting anatomy.

arm joint 🔊

➕

/ɑːrm dʒɔɪnt/

The bendable joint connecting the upper and lower parts of the arm, allowing for flexion and extension.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'elnboga', meaning 'arm bow', as the joint bends like a bow.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'L-bow': the joint forms an 'L' shape when bent, like a bow.

📖 Example

After typing all day, she gently rubbed her elbow to relieve the stiffness. 🔊 After typing all day, she gently rubbed her elbow to relieve the stiffness.

🔗 Collocations

tennis elbow – a painful condition caused by overuse of the elbow, common in sports

elbow joint – the anatomical joint of the elbow, a hinge type joint

rub one's elbow – to massage the elbow for relief from discomfort

🔄 Synonyms

arm joint (n.) – the joint in the arm that allows bending

cubitus (n.) – anatomical term for the elbow region

funny bone (n.) – informal term for the elbow, especially when hit causing a tingling sensation

🌱 Derivatives

elbowed (adj.) – having elbows or shaped like an elbow

elbowing (n.) – the act of using one's elbow to push

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old English 'elnboga' (forearm bow). In modern use, 'elbow grease' metaphorically means hard work, and 'elbow room' refers to needed space.

Meaning 2：push with elbow (elbow)

elbow 🔊

/ˈelboʊ/

To push or move through a crowd using your elbow.

Person using elbow to navigate a crowded space, demonstrating the action.

push with elbow 🔊

➕

/pʊʃ wɪð ˈelboʊ/

To force one's way through a crowd or tight space by using the elbows to push aside others.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

During the concert, he had to elbow his way to the front to get a better view. 🔊 During the concert, he had to elbow his way to the front to get a better view.

🔗 Collocations

elbow one's way – to push through a crowd using elbows to make passage

elbow aside – to push someone aside with the elbow, often rudely

elbow through – to move through a dense group by elbowing

🔄 Synonyms

jostle (v.) – to push or bump against someone in a crowd, often accidentally

shove (v.) – to push someone or something roughly with force

nudge (v.) – to push gently with the elbow to get attention or move slightly

🚫 Antonyms

yield (v.) – to give way or allow others to pass politely

step back (v.) – to move backwards to make space for others

🌱 Derivatives

elbowed (v. (past tense)) – pushed with the elbow in the past

elbowing (n.) – the action of using elbows to push through a crowd