xiphisternum

American

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

noun

Anatomy.

PLURAL

xiphisterna

the lowermost of the three segments of the sternum.

xiphisternum British

/ ˌzɪfɪˈstɜːnəm /

noun

Also called: xiphoid. xiphoid process. anatomy 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

Other Word Forms

xiphisternal adjective

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.

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The xiphisternum will probably be cut in this operation.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023