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xiphisternum

American  
[zif-uh-stur-nuhm] / ˌzɪf əˈstɜr nəm /

noun

Anatomy.
xiphisterna plural
  1. the lowermost of the three segments of the sternum.


xiphisternum British  
/ ˌzɪfɪˈstɜːnəm /

noun

  1. Also called: xiphoid.   xiphoid processanatomy zoology the cartilaginous process forming the lowermost part of the breastbone (sternum)

"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

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Etymology

Origin of xiphisternum

1855–60; < New Latin xiphi- (combining form of Greek xíphos sword) + sternum sternum

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.

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Only P. spinipollex has lateral processes anteriorly on the xiphisternum; in the other species the xiphisternum is deeply bell-shaped.

From A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla by Duellman, William E.

The calcified xiphisternum is roughly bell-shaped having short lateral processes anteriorly and a deep notch posteriorly.

From A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla by Duellman, William E.

The xiphisternum will probably be cut in this operation.

From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

Cut away xiphisternum, and then cut through clavicles and coracoids on either side, and remove ventral part of shoulder girdle, to expose the heart.

From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

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