apophysis

[uh-pof-uh-sis]

noun, plural a·poph·y·ses

[uh-pof-uh-seez] /əˈpɒf əˌsiz/.

Anatomy, Botany. an outgrowth; process; projection or protuberance.
Architecture. apophyge.

Origin of apophysis

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

Related formsa·poph·y·sate

[uh-pof-uh-sit, -seyt] /əˈpɒf ə sɪt, -ˌseɪt/, adjectiveap·o·phys·e·al, ap·o·phys·i·al

[ap-uh-fiz-ee-uh l, uh-pof-uh-see-uh l] /ˌæp əˈfɪz i əl, əˌpɒf əˈsi əl/, a·poph·y·sar·y

[uh-pof-uh-ser-ee] /əˈpɒf əˌsɛr i/, adjectivein·ter·ap·o·phys·e·al, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for apophysis

Historical Examples of apophysis

The apophysis represents the later and larger growth of the cone-scale.
The Genus Pinus
George Russell Shaw
No ctenidium, but a pulmonary cavity; operculum with an apophysis.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 5
Various
Every cavity, apophysis, and curvature was imitated, and each bone executed its proper movements.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe
The central region extending between the apophysis and the operculum is composed of sterile tissue and forms the columella (c).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3
Various
The seta widens out at the base of the capsule into a region known as the apophysis.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3
Various

British Dictionary definitions for apophysis

apophysis

noun plural -ses (-ˌsiːz)

a process, outgrowth, or swelling from part of an animal or plant
geology a tapering offshoot from a larger igneous intrusive mass

Derived Formsapophysate (əˈpɒfɪsɪt, -seɪt), adjectiveapophysial (ˌæpəˈfɪzɪəl), adjective

Word Origin for apophysis

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

apophysis in Medicine

apophysis

[ə-pŏf′ĭ-sĭs]

n. pl. a•poph•y•ses (-sēz′)

An outgrowth or projection of an organ or part, especially an outgrowth from a bone that lacks an independent center of ossification.

Related formsap′o•phys′i•al (ăp′ə-fĭz′ē-əl) null adj.