phrenic
Americanadjective
-
Anatomy. of or relating to the diaphragm.
-
Physiology. relating to the mind or mental activity.
adjective
-
-
of or relating to the diaphragm
-
( as noun )
the phrenic
-
-
obsolete of or relating to the mind
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of phrenic
From the New Latin word phrenicus, dating back to 1695–1705. See phren-, -ic
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.
Doctors performed a "phrenic nerve block procedure" on Bolsonaro to block his left phrenic nerve, after treating Bolsonaro's right one on Saturday.
From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025
After the operation, doctors will assess whether Bolsonaro can undergo an additional procedure: blockage of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, for recurrent hiccups, Birolini said.
From Barron's ● Dec. 25, 2025
The phrenic nerve pacer Sadie's parents have fundraised for works a little like a cardiac pace maker as it will tell the diaphragm when to move and breathe, her father Andrew said.
From BBC ● Apr. 13, 2023
The suction and swallow simultaneously stimulate two nerves, the phrenic and vagus nerves, prompting the diaphragm to contract and the epiglottis — a flap that covers the windpipe during swallowing — to close.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 24, 2021
See phrenic nerve, by vena cava inferior, and between heart and lungs, and sympathetic, running over the heads of the ribs.
From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
