epiphysis

[ih-pif-uh-sis]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Anatomy.

plural

epiphyses

a part or process of a bone separated from the main body of the bone by a layer of cartilage and subsequently uniting with the bone through further ossification.
pineal gland.

epiphysis

/ ˌɛpɪˈfɪzɪəl, ɪˈpɪfɪsɪs /

noun

the end of a long bone, initially separated from the shaft (diaphysis) by a section of cartilage that eventually ossifies so that the two portions fuse together
Also called: epiphysis cerebri.��the technical name for pineal gland

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Other Word Forms

epiphyseal adjective
epiphysial adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of epiphysis¹

1625–35; < New Latin < Greek ��í�� a growth upon, equivalent to epi- epi- + ��ý�� growth ( ��̄́ ( ein ) to make grow, bring forth, produce + -sis -sis )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of epiphysis¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek: a growth upon, from _epi- + phusis growth, from phuein to bring forth, produce

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The epiphysis, or pineal body, is quite as degenerate as in mammals, although still forming a long stalk as in reptiles.

From

The caps, or epiphyses, at the end of the vertebral bodies are flattened disks, not uniting until after the animal has attained its full dimensions.

From

The teeth are perfect, and not appreciably worn, while the epiphyses those infallible indications of the growing state, have just become consolidated, and mark the completion of adult age.

From

It is more common, is always pathological, and is nearly always a result of fracture of the lower end of the humerus or separation of the lower humeral epiphysis and subsequent interference with growth.

From

The skeleton, which was young, as the epiphyses were not united, lay on its left side, facing east, the head north.

From

epiphyllum epiphyte

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