zygapophysis

[zig-uh-pof-uh-sis, zahy-guh-]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

zygapophyses 

1. one of the four processes of a vertebra, occurring in pairs that interlock each vertebra with the vertebrae above and below.

zygapophysis

/ ˌzɪɡəˈpɒfɪsɪs, ˌzɪɡæpəˈfɪzɪəl, ˌzaɪɡə- /

noun

1. anatomy zoology one of several processes on a vertebra that articulates with the corresponding process on an adjacent vertebra

Other Word Forms

• zygapophyseal adjective
• zygapophysial adjective
• postzygapophyseal adjective
• postzygapophysial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zygapophysis¹

First recorded in 1850–55; zyg- ( def. ) + apophysis

Word History and Origins

Origin of zygapophysis¹

C19: from _zygo- + _apophysis

Example Sentences

Zygapophysis, zī-ga-pof′i-sis, n. one of the yoke-pieces or articulations of the vertebr�: pl.

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