apophysis

[ uh-pof-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural a·poph·y·ses [uh, -, pof, -, uh, -seez].

1. Anatomy, Botany. an outgrowth; process; projection or protuberance.
2. Architecture. apophyge.

apophysis

/ -seɪt; əˈpɒfɪsɪs; əˈpɒfɪsɪt; ˌæpəˈfɪzɪəl /

noun

1. a process, outgrowth, or swelling from part of an animal or plant
2. geology a tapering offshoot from a larger igneous intrusive mass

Derived Forms

• apophysial, adjective
• apophysate, adjective

Other Words From

• a·poph·y·sate [uh, -, pof, -, uh, -sit, -seyt], adjective
• ap·o·phys·e·al ap·o·phys·i·al [ap-, uh, -, fiz, -ee-, uh, l, uh, -pof-, uh, -, see, -, uh, l], a·poph·y·sar·y [uh, -, pof, -, uh, -ser-ee], adjective
• inter·apo·physe·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apophysis¹

1605–15; < New Latin < Greek: offshoot, equivalent to apo- apo- + phýsis growth, equivalent to phý ( ein ) to bring forth + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of apophysis¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek apophusis a sideshoot, from apo- + phusis growth

Example Sentences

Apophysis, any irregular swelling; the enlargement at the base of the spore-case of the Umbrella-Moss.

From Project Gutenberg

Each apophysis is crossed in its apical half at right angles by two short parallel transverse rods.

From Project Gutenberg

Each apophysis represents a regular rectangular cross, being intersected in its middle by one perpendicular rod of its own length.

From Project Gutenberg

Each apophysis is pinnate with opposite pinnul, or crossed at right angles by three to six parallel transverse rods.

From Project Gutenberg

No ctenidium, but a pulmonary cavity; operculum with an apophysis.

From Project Gutenberg