xiphoid

American  

[zif-oid] / ˈzɪf ɔɪd /

adjective

1. Anatomy, Zoology. sword-shaped; ensiform.

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noun

1. the xiphisternum.

xiphoid British  

/ ˈzɪfɔɪd /

adjective

1. biology shaped like a sword

2. of or relating to the xiphisternum

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noun

1. Also called: xiphoid process.  Another name for xiphisternum

Other Word Forms

• postxiphoid adjective

Etymology

Origin of xiphoid

1740–50; < New Latin xiphoīdēs < Greek xiphoeidḗs swordlike, equivalent to xíph ( os ) sword + -oeidēs -oid

Explanation

The adjective xiphoid describes any part of the body that's shaped like a sword. It's mostly used for the xiphoid process, a small, triangular part of the human breastbone. Your xiphoid process is located in the middle of your chest, where your sternum and lower ribs meet. This anatomical feature got its name from the swordlike shape of its lower edge; the Greek root, xiphos, means "sword." You could also use xiphoid as a fancy way to describe anything in the curved shape of a sword, like the xiphoid leaves of your favorite houseplant, but it's unlikely anyone will understand what you mean!

Example Sentences

“Just to the bottom of the xiphoid process,” Ms. Boyle said.

From New York Times • Oct. 18, 2017

Actually, the “lump” is the xiphoid process, the quarter-size cartilaginous end of the bony sternum.

From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2017

The manubrium and body of the sternum are converted into bone first, with the xiphoid process remaining as cartilage until late in life.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The sternum consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The distance from the xiphoid to the symphysis pubis was three feet.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)