‖ astragalus
(əˈstrægələs)
[L., a. Gr. ἀστράγαλος: see astragal.]
1. Phys. The ball of the ankle-joint, the upper bone of the foot, on which the tibia rests.
| 1541 R. Copland Guydon's Quest. Cyrurg., Astragallus..is in maner as y⊇ nut of a crosbow rounde on eche syde. 1696 Phillips Astragal; Ibid. ed. 1706 Astragalus. 1855 Holden Hum. Osteol. 210 The astragalus is the keystone of the arch of the foot, and supports the whole weight of the body. |
2. Bot. An extensive genus of leguminous plants, of which A. verus produces gum tragacanth, and three British species are known as Milk-vetch.
| 1548 Turner Names of Herbs 17 Astragalus..may be called in english peaserthnut. 1862 Bellew Afghan. 199 Several varieties of astragalus and other leguminous plants. |