elbows

Mid-arm hinges

Elbows are the joints connecting the upper and lower arm, where the arm bends.

The word extends to angular bends in pipes or corridors.

To elbow is to push or nudge with one's elbow: She elbowed her way through the crowd.

Elbow grease means vigorous physical effort.

To rub elbows with someone is to mingle with them socially.

anatomy

humerus

Upper arm's long bone

ulnaInner forearm bone
radiusCenter-to-perimeter distance
forearmArm's lower half

arm · joint · cartilage · ligament · synovial · bursa · olecranon · triceps · biceps · tendon

nudging

jostle

Push roughly against

nudgeGentle push to prompt
pokeSharp, quick thrust
prodJab to spur action

jab · bump · shove · push · crowd · jostle · gesture · signal · ribs · make room

bends

pipe

Hollow conveyance channel

macaroniShort curved pasta
fittingSuitable or proper
angleGeometric measure of rotation

joint · connector · plumbing · tube · conduit · duct · coupling · L-bend · curve · PVC

idiom

grease

Thick oily lubricant

roomEnclosed interior area
rubbingApplying pressure while moving
hobnobbingCasual social mingling

networking · mingling · socializing · effort · hard work

injury

bursitis

Inflamed joint cushions

tendonitisInflamed tissue connecting muscle
arthritisInflamed joint disease
strainExcessive stretching force

inflammation · swelling · pain · orthopedics · dislocation · fracture · hyperextension · repetitive stress

Categories

pastaspaghetti, penne, rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle
Body Areasface, neck, chest, back, arms
copper plumbingtees, fittings, couplings, caps, valves
pairspair, pairs, two, duo, duos
pasta and grainspasta, spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, fettuccine
plumbingpipes, valves, fittings, faucets, drains

Opposites

arm joint vs. leg joint

elbowsknees

Leg joints with caps

kneecaps · legs · hocks · patellas · stifles

angular vs. straight (physical form)

elbowsstraight lines

Unbent one-dimensional figures

lines · straightaways

assertive movement vs. passive movement (figurative)

elbowsdeference

Yielding to another's judgment

yielding · stepping aside · making way · hanging back

Phrases

elbow roomAdequate maneuvering space
elbow greaseStrenuous physical effort
tennis elbowOveruse forearm injury
elbow macaroniCurved tubular pasta
rub elbowsAssociate socially, informally
elbow padsProtective gear for mid-arm joints

Family

elbow, elbowing, golfer's elbow, elbowed, elbowroom, elbow bump, elbow grease, tennis elbow

Familiarity: Top 5,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G