apophysis

[uh-pof-uh-sis]

noun

plural

apophyses 

1. Anatomy, Botany.,  an outgrowth; process; projection or protuberance.

2. Architecture.,  apophyge.

apophysis

/ -seɪt, əˈpɒfɪsɪs, əˈpɒfɪsɪt, ˌæpəˈfɪzɪəl /

noun

1. a process, outgrowth, or swelling from part of an animal or plant

2. geology a tapering offshoot from a larger igneous intrusive mass

Other Word Forms

• apophysial adjective
• apophysate adjective
• apophyseal adjective
• apophysary adjective
• interapophyseal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apophysis¹

1605–15; < New Latin < Greek: offshoot, equivalent to apo- apo- + phýsis growth, equivalent to phý ( ein ) to bring forth + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of apophysis¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek apophusis a sideshoot, from _apo- + phusis growth

Example Sentences

In Ochrotomys, the orbicular apophysis of the malleus resembles the orbicular apophysis of B. musculus, but the short process of the incus is longer, resembling the short process of B. taylori.

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No ctenidium, but a pulmonary cavity; operculum with an apophysis.

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Pelvic plate bearing three anteriorly diverging apophyses, and one denticulate ventromedian process for articulation to opposite plate.

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An ordinary Cow, and a Bull without horns, will produce a calf resembling the male in appearance and character, without horns and without that particular prominence of the transverse apophysis of the frontal bone.

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Cones from 5 to 7 cm. long, subglobose or short-ovate, symmetrical, persistent, serotinous; apophyses lustrous tawny yellow, slightly elevated along a transverse keel, the umbo forming the broad base of a slender, rather fragile prickle.

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