epiphysis

[ ih-pif-uh-sis ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural e·piph·y·ses [ih-, pif, -, uh, -seez].

1. 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.
2. pineal gland.

epiphysis

/ ˌɛpɪˈfɪzɪəl; ɪˈpɪfɪsɪs /

noun

1. 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
2. Also calledepiphysis cerebriˈsɛrɪˌbraɪ the technical name for pineal gland

Derived Forms

• epiphyseal, adjective

Other Words From

• ep·i·phys·e·al [ep-, uh, -, fiz, -ee-, uh, l, ih-pif-, uh, -, see, -, uh, l, -, zee, -], epi·physi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epiphysis¹

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

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

Example Sentences

It is otherwise known as the "conarium" the "pinus" or "epiphysis."

From Project Gutenberg

It bears posteriorly a small epiphysis which is really a detached portion of the inferior arch.

From Project Gutenberg

The radius or pre-axial bone is the larger of the two, and is a rod-like bone terminated at either end by an epiphysis.

From Project Gutenberg

The radius and ulna are nearly equal in size and each consists of a long shaft terminated at either end by an epiphysis.

From Project Gutenberg

The terminal phalanx of each digit has an epiphysis only at its proximal end, the others have them at both ends.

From Project Gutenberg