spinous process

American  

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. a spinelike process of a bone, especially the dorsal projection from the center of the arch of a vertebra.

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Etymology

Origin of spinous process

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

They have short transverse processes and a short, blunt spinous process that projects posteriorly.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The characteristic feature for a typical midthoracic vertebra is the spinous process, which is long and has a pronounced downward angle that causes it to overlap the next inferior vertebra.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

They also have a short, blunt spinous process.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 7.26 Thoracic Vertebrae A typical thoracic vertebra is distinguished by the spinous process, which is long and projects downward to overlap the next inferior vertebra.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The spinous process, flattened from without inwards, is more or less pointed; it is elongated from before backwards, so as partly to overlap the atlas and the third cervical vertebra.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard