Origin: 1720–30; < NL < Gk ōlékrānon point of the elbow, short for ōlenókrānon, equiv. to ōlén(ē) elbow + -o--o-+ krān(íon) head (see cranium) + -on neut. n. suffix
(click for larger image in new window) n. The large process on the upper end of the ulna that projects behind the elbow joint and forms the point of the elbow.
[Greek ōlekrānon : ōlenē, elbow; see el- in Indo-European roots + krānion, skull, head; see ker-1 in Indo-European roots.] o·lec'ra·nal (-nəl), o'le·cra'ni·al (ō'lĭ-krā'nē-əl), o'le·cra'ni·an (-nē-ən) adj.
Main Entry: olec·ra·non Pronunciation: O-'lek-r&-"nän Function: noun : the large process of the ulna that projects behind the elbowjoint, forms the bony prominence of the elbow, and receives the insertion of the triceps muscle
olecranon o·lec·ra·non (ō-lěk'rə-nŏn') n. The large process on the upper end of the ulna that projects behind the elbow joint and forms the point of the elbow.
o·lec'ra·nal (-nəl) or o'le·cra'ni·al (ō'lĭ-krā'nē-əl) or o'le·cra'ni·an (-nē-ən) adj.