Dictionary formgenu, genus(neuter)
Translation
knee
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Grammar
Cases
| Case | singular | plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativethe subject | genu | genua |
| Vocativecalling someone: O ... | genu | genua |
| Accusativethe direct object; after ad, in (into), per | genu | genua |
| Genitiveof | genus | genuum |
| Dativeto, for | genu | genibus |
| Ablativeby, with, from; after a, ab, cum, de, e, ex, in (in), sine | genu | genibus |
Examples
flexit .
He bent his knees and prayed.
.
He fell at the leader's knees.
.
The right knee received a serious wound.
Flexis .
He prayed on bended knee before the altar.
fluebat.
Blood was flowing from the knee.
Genu, genus, n., fourth declension, and one of only a handful of neuter nouns in that declension: cornu and veru are the others you will actually meet. The singular is short and blunt - genu for nominative, accusative and ablative alike - and the plural gives genua, genuum, genibus. Classical Latin prefers genibus for the dative and ablative plural, though genubus is attested and does no harm.
The genitive singular genus is spelled exactly like genus, generis, "kind, race", which is a nuisance only until you notice that context settles it instantly: knees do not have descendants. Flexis genibus, "with knees bent", is the standard phrase for kneeling in liturgical Latin, and genuflect is the same two words carried into English whole.
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genu: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Latin word "genu" (knee): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is taught in chapter 9, lesson 1: genu, limen, robur and 6 more words.