phrenic

[ fren-ik ]

adjective

1. Anatomy. of or relating to the diaphragm.
2. Physiology. relating to the mind or mental activity.

phrenic

/ ˈfrɛnɪk /

adjective

1. 1. of or relating to the diaphragm
   2. ( as noun )

      the phrenic

2. obsolete.
   of or relating to the mind

Other Words From

• post·phrenic adjective
• sub·phrenic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phrenic¹

From the New Latin word phrenicus, dating back to 1695–1705. See phren-, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of phrenic¹

C18: from New Latin phrenicus, from Greek phrēn mind, diaphragm

Example Sentences

We suspect that gargling and dry sugar both stimulate the phrenic nerve which controls the diaphragm.

From Seattle Times

The phrenic nerve pacer Sadie's parents have fundraised for works a little like a cardiac pace maker as it will tell the diaphragm when to move and breathe, her father Andrew said.

From BBC

Mr Hucknall, from Wilford, remains under observation after a respiratory consultant found the virus had damaged his lung and the phrenic nerve controlling the diaphragm.

From BBC

The suction and swallow simultaneously stimulate two nerves, the phrenic and vagus nerves, prompting the diaphragm to contract and the epiglottis — a flap that covers the windpipe during swallowing — to close.

From Seattle Times

A specialist in Brasília told O Globo that Bolsonaro’s hiccups could be caused by the dental implant because of oral and phrenic nerve relationships.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• cerebral
• creative
• highbrow
• mental
• psychological
• rational
• scholarly
• thoughtful