menisc-, menisco-

Elements in a single lens in which there are curvature centers on both of its surfaces: ""The meniscus lenses may lie on the same side of the lens so that both surfaces are concave or both are convex or the meniscus lens having a spherical concave curve on one side and a spherical convex curve on the other side."

1. A radiographic sign associated with an ulcerating carcinoma, in which the outline of the stomach is crescentic with overhanging edges: "A meniscus sign may be seen in lung abscesses, tumors, hematomas, granulomatous infections and Rasmussen's aneurysms."
2. A snapping or clicking associated with a torn meniscus in the knee: "When there are indications of damaged menisci in the knees, then those signals are referred to as meniscus signs of damage."

Having numerous facets, lenses, or small eyes that make up the compound eyes of insects and crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, shrimps, and barnacles): "Some creatures have polymeniscous eyes which include many combinations of lenses in their eyes."

1. A shape of the edges of liquids on the top area in a tube or other glass container: "When a person looks at the upper surface of any fluid from the side of a glass tube, he or she can see a slight curve up and down or a crescent shape around the top edge of the liquid which is known as meniscus or surface meniscus."

"The surface menisci of fluids indicate curved upper surfaces around the edges of liquids that are contained in tubes and which are curved because surface tensions."

2. In metal work, the term applies to a solder joint that has a minimum angle at which the solder tapers from the joint to the flat surface."

The knee is the largest joint in the body and the cartilage within the knee joint helps to protect it from the stresses placed on it from walking, running, climbing, bending, etc.: "Torn menisci occur because of trauma caused by forceful twisting or over-flexing of the knee joints resulting in pain, swelling, and popping."

"There are also the articular cartilages that line the joint surfaces of the bones within the knee, including the femur (the thigh bone) and the tibia (the shin bone), and the kneecap (patella); however, a common torn cartilage usually refers to one of the menisci of the knees between the femur and tibia bones."