phrenic
Americanadjective
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Anatomy. of or relating to the diaphragm.
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Physiology. relating to the mind or mental activity.
adjective
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of or relating to the diaphragm
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( as noun )
the phrenic
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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.
She explained in a social media post that her husband's procedure had "blocked" one of his phrenic nerves.
From BBC • Dec. 28, 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
We suspect that gargling and dry sugar both stimulate the phrenic nerve which controls the diaphragm.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2023
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 phrenic nerve arises from the spinal cord in the upper cervical region and descends through the neck and chest to the diaphragm; it is therefore a special nerve of respiration.
From The Brain and the Voice in Speech and Song by Mott, F. W. (Frederick Walker)
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.
