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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg