sternum

[ stur-nuhm ]

noun

, plural ster·na [stur, -n, uh], ster·nums.

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a bone or series of bones extending along the middle line of the ventral portion of the body of most vertebrates, consisting in humans of a flat, narrow bone connected with the clavicles and the true ribs; breastbone.
2. the ventral surface of a body segment of an arthropod.

sternum

/ ˈstɜːnəm /

noun

1. (in man) a long flat vertical bone, situated in front of the thorax, to which are attached the collarbone and the first seven pairs of ribs Nontechnical namebreastbone
2. the corresponding part in many other vertebrates
3. a cuticular plate covering the ventral surface of a body segment of an arthropod Compare tergum

sternum

/ stûr′nəm /

1. A long, flat bone located in the center of the chest, serving as a support for the collarbone and ribs.
2. Also called breastbone
3. See more at skeleton

Derived Forms

• ˈsternal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sternum¹

1660–70; < New Latin < Greek stérnon chest, breastbone

Word History and Origins

Origin of sternum¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek sternon breastbone

Example Sentences

That doesn’t sit right with Terra Vance, whose father — “a real Vance,” she says — worked in the coal mines for 40 years; where he once snapped his sternum when a mountain collapsed on him.

From Los Angeles Times

John fractured his sternum and sustained injuries to his hand.

From BBC

Sutures, as in the skull, don’t move in adults, and cartilaginous joints, such as those that connect the ribs to the sternum, tend to have very limited mobility.

From Science Magazine

Among several examples: blood loss triggered rapid red blood cell production in the sternum, tibia, vertebrae, and humerus -- but not in the skull.

From Science Daily

“The main impact appears to have been to the body, as there was substantial hemorrhage under the sternum and in the back of the body cavity around the liver,” the report said.

From Seattle Times