xiphoid

[ zif-oid ]

adjective

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

noun

1. the xiphisternum.

xiphoid

/ ˈzɪfɔɪd /

adjective

1. biology shaped like a sword
2. of or relating to the xiphisternum

noun

1. Also calledxiphoid process Another name for xiphisternum

Other Words From

• post·xiphoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of xiphoid¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of xiphoid¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek, from xiphos sword + eidos form

Example Sentences

The xiphoid cartilage is extraordinarily elongated into thin strips, which reach the pelvis and return.

From Project Gutenberg

It is usually accompanied with painful sensations near the xiphoid cartilage or behind the sternum, or sometimes in the pharynx.

From Project Gutenberg

The xiphoid appendix, which is cartilaginous, is attached to the extremity of a long process of the last bone of the sternum.

From Project Gutenberg

Two little girls were united from the xiphoid cartilage to the umbilicus.

From Project Gutenberg