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ramus

American  
[rey-muhs] / ˈreɪ məs /

noun

Botany, Zoology, Anatomy.

plural

rami
  1. a branch, as of a plant, vein, bone, etc.


ramus British  
/ ˈreɪməs /

noun

  1. the barb of a bird's feather

  2. either of the two parts of the lower jaw of a vertebrate

  3. any part or organ that branches from another part

"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

Etymology

Origin of ramus

1795–1805; < Latin rāmus branch, twig, bough; akin to rādīx root 1 ( radix )

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 mouse sensory barrel cortex was activated by stimulation of the contralateral ramus infraorbitalis of the trigeminal nerve using a set of custom-made bipolar electrodes inserted percutaneously.

From Nature

The tumor first appears in the depression between the mastoid process and the ramus of the jaw, which it fills up, and at the same time thrusts outward the lobe of the ear.

From Project Gutenberg

Its posterior end rests against the anterior surface of the transverse process of the atlas, from which it extends forwards and downwards, slightly curved, to beneath the ramus of the jaw.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, when acting as swimming organs, the appendages, or their rami, are more or less flattened, or oar-like, and often have the margins fringed with long plumose hairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Were these expressions merely jocular, or have any papal canonists or casuists given the title of fili�, nepotes or rami to offences deducible from the same root?

From Project Gutenberg