Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Shank
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Shank: 1. In anatomy, the tibia, the larger bone in the lower leg. The term is rarely used in this sense today.
2. In a culinary sense, the foreleg of a four-legged animal as, for example, a lamb shank. The shank is flavorful but tough (due to connective tissue) and therefore needs long slow cooking.