1. A cup-shaped socket in the hip bone that receives the head of the thighbone, forming the hip joint.
Usage: anatomy; medical
2. A cup-shaped structure or cavity in an organism, especially a sucker-like organ in certain invertebrates such as tapeworms.
Usage: biology; zoology

Examples

• The acetabulum is a key part of the hip joint in humans.
• Damage to the acetabulum can lead to hip arthritis.
• The surgeon examined the patient's acetabulum before recommending hip replacement surgery.
• In anatomy class, students learned that the acetabulum articulates with the femoral head.
• Tapeworms use their acetabula to attach to the intestinal wall.
• The depth of the acetabulum varies among individuals and can affect hip stability.