How to Pronounce Genu Varum
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Genu Varum Pronunciation
JEE-nyoo VAIR-um
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
JEE
stress here
nyoo VAIR
um
3 syllables
What is Genu Varum?
A lower limb alignment in which the legs bow outward at the knees (bowlegs) so that there is a gap between the knees when standing with the feet together. Mild bowing is normal in infants and toddlers, but if it persists or worsens it may require treatment, and can be associated with Blount's disease or rickets.
Questions About Genu Varum
How do you pronounce genu varum?
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Genu varum is pronounced JEE-nyoo VAIR-um. The first part rhymes with "knee," and the second part sounds like "vary" with an "um" at the end. The stress falls on the first syllable, so you say it a bit louder: JEE-nyoo VAIR-um.
What does the word genu mean?
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Genu is a Latin word that means "knee." You'll see it in other medical terms too, like genu valgum (knock-knees), which is the opposite alignment from genu varum.
What does varum mean in genu varum?
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Varum comes from Latin and describes an inward turning or bowing. When you add it to genu (knee), it tells you which direction the legs are bowing—outward at the knees.
What is the plain English way to say genu varum?
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Genu varum is commonly called bowlegs or bow-legged legs. It describes when someone's legs curve outward so there's a space between the knees when the feet are together.
How do you break genu varum into syllables?
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Genu varum breaks into four syllables: ge-NU-var-UM. The stress is on the second syllable (NU), so the word sounds like GE-nu-VAIR-um when you say it naturally.
What's a common mistake people make when saying genu varum?
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A common mistake is stressing the wrong syllable and saying JEE-noo-VAIR-um or putting the stress on varum instead of on the genu part. Remember: the stress goes on the NU, so it's GE-NU-vair-um.
What is the abbreviation for genu varum?
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Genu varum is sometimes shortened to GV in medical writing, but the full term is almost always used when speaking since it's not too difficult to say.
What's a related word that uses the same root?
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Genu valgum is a related term that shares the word genu (knee). However, valgum describes the opposite direction—inward bowing at the knees, also known as knock-knees.
Can you use genu varum in a sentence?
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Here's an example: "The doctor examined the child's legs and noted mild genu varum, which is common in toddlers." This sentence shows how the term is used to describe a specific leg alignment.