uncinate process

noun

, Ornithology.

1. a curved, bony process on certain ribs of birds that projects backward and overlaps the succeeding rib, serving to strengthen the thorax.

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncinate process¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

From near the distal end an imperfectly ossified uncinate process (see p. 190) projects backwards.

From Project Gutenberg

Projecting backwards from each is a large hooked uncinate process.

From Project Gutenberg