condyle
Anatomical term for a rounded articular projection at the end of a bone. Used in medical contexts.
Palpate the lateral condyle of the femur.
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.
Expressions like 'three grains of rice' can be found in old documents.
General counter for small objects. More versatile than 顆, which was limited to grains and spheres.
Standard kanji form for both the anatomical noun and the archaic counter.
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.