I. ˈkrüs, ˈkrəs noun
( plural cru·ra ˈkru̇rə)
Etymology: Latin; akin to Armenian srunk shinbones, calves of the legs
1. : the part of the hind limb between the femur or thigh and the ankle or tarsus : shank
2. : any of various parts likened to a leg or to a pair of legs: as
a. : either of the diverging proximal ends of the corpora cavernosa
b. : the tendinous attachments of the diaphragm to the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae forming the sides of the aortic opening — often used in plural
c. crura plural : the peduncles of the cerebrum — called also crura ce·re·bri -ˈserəˌbrī, -ˈkerəˌbrē
d. crura plural : the peduncles of the cerebellum
e. crura plural : the posterior pillars of the fornix — called also crura for·ni·cis -ˈfȯrnəˌsis, -əˌkis
f. : either of a pair of basal processes on the brachidia of certain brachiopods — see brachiopod illustration
II.
plural of cru