What does trochanter mean?
Trochanter is a specialist anatomical noun with two established uses. In human and vertebrate anatomy, it names one of the projections at the upper end of the femur, especially the greater and lesser trochanters. These prominences act as attachment points for muscles and ligaments and are important in movement, examination, and surgery; fractures around the greater trochanter can affect hip stability and the muscles that abduct the leg. In arthropod anatomy, the trochanter is the short leg segment between the coxa and femur, usually the second segment of the limb. The word is therefore more specific than a general term for a bony projection and is normally reserved for technical anatomical discussion. Its unusual name comes from Greek for “runner,” an apt reminder of the leverage supplied by the femoral projection and the dynamic role of the segment in many-legged animals. Though uncommon in general conversation, trochanter is useful to anyone studying medicine, paleontology, zoology, or entomology, and it appears regularly in orthopedic imaging and surgical reports.
nounIn human and vertebrate anatomy, either of the two prominent bony projections at the proximal end of the femur, serving as attachment points for muscles and ligaments. In arthropod anatomy, it is the short leg segment between the coxa and femur.
- Human and vertebrate anatomy: the greater or lesser bony projection at the proximal end of the femur, serving as a muscle or ligament attachment point.
- Arthropod anatomy: the short leg segment between the coxa and femur, typically the second segment of the leg.
"The radiograph revealed a fracture at the greater trochanter of the femur."
"During the operation, the surgeon repaired the fracture at the greater trochanter of the femur."
"In a grasshopper's leg, the small trochanter connects the coxa to the femur."
The standard plural is trochanters. Qualified plurals such as greater trochanters and lesser trochanters are common when referring to multiple structures.
"The radiograph showed fractures of both greater trochanters."
Literally named for a “runner,” the trochanter is a bony lever that helps convert the power of hip muscles into a stride.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of trochanter
The English noun entered anatomical usage from Latin trochanter, which was borrowed from Greek τροχαντήρ, meaning “runner” and derived from the verb τρέχειν, “to run.” The same Greek root underlying “wheel” is reflected in cognates including trochlea, trochoid, and trochiscus. Trochanter came into English in the early 17th century and became established as a term for the bony projections of the femur; comparative anatomists also use it for the corresponding segment in arthropod legs.
Related word forms
How trochanter is actually used
This is a specialist anatomical term used in medicine, comparative anatomy, zoology, and entomology. Clinical usage requires a precise distinction between the greater and lesser trochanters because their attachments and clinical significance differ.