noun
condyle
Anatomical term for a rounded articular projection at the end of a bone. Used in medical contexts.
大腿骨の外側顆を触診する。
Palpate the lateral condyle of the femur.
counter
counter for grains and small spheres
Archaic counter. In modern Japanese, 粒 (つぶ) or 個 (こ) are used instead. Found in classical texts or fixed expressions.
古い文献には「米三顆」のような表現が見られる。
Expressions like 'three grains of rice' can be found in old documents.
Modern counter for grains, drops, and small round objects. Replaces the archaic 顆 in everyday use.
General counter for small objects. More versatile than 顆, which was limited to grains and spheres.
The kanji 顆 originally meant 'small head' or 'grain', leading to its use as a counter for small round things. The anatomical sense 'condyle' derives from the rounded shape. The counter usage is now archaic.