Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

epiphysis

American  
[ih-pif-uh-sis] / ɪˈpɪf ə sɪs /

noun

Anatomy.
epiphyses plural
  1. a part or process of a bone separated from the main body of the bone by a layer of cartilage and subsequently uniting with the bone through further ossification.

  2. pineal gland.


epiphysis British  
/ ˌɛpɪˈfɪzɪəl, ɪˈpɪfɪsɪs /

noun

  1. the end of a long bone, initially separated from the shaft (diaphysis) by a section of cartilage that eventually ossifies so that the two portions fuse together

  2. Also called: epiphysis cerebri.  the technical name for pineal gland

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of epiphysis

1625–35; < New Latin < Greek epíphysis a growth upon, equivalent to epi- epi- + phýsis growth ( phȳ́ ( ein ) to make grow, bring forth, produce + -sis -sis )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The internal anatomy of the epiphysis is revealed.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The epiphysis of the femur is roughly hexagonal in shape.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

This plate is located between the diaphysis and each epiphysis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

These chondrocytes do not participate in bone growth but secure the epiphyseal plate to the osseous tissue of the epiphysis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Separation of the lower epiphysis of the humerus is met with in children of three or four years of age, but it may occur up to the thirteenth or fourteenth year.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "epiphysis" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com