phrenic
Americanadjective
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Anatomy. of or relating to the diaphragm.
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Physiology. relating to the mind or mental activity.
adjective
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of or relating to the diaphragm
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( as noun )
the phrenic
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obsolete of or relating to the mind
Other Word Forms
- postphrenic adjective
- subphrenic adjective
Etymology
Origin of phrenic
From the New Latin word phrenicus, dating back to 1695–1705. See phren-, -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After the operation, doctors will assess whether Bolsonaro can undergo an additional procedure: blockage of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, for recurrent hiccups, Birolini said.
From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025
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 • Apr. 13, 2023
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 • Oct. 3, 2021
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 • Jul. 24, 2021
The phrenic nerve, from its position on that muscle, requires special care to avoid dividing it, and in most cases the internal jugular vein is also in the way.
From A Manual of the Operations of Surgery For the Use of Senior Students, House Surgeons, and Junior Practitioners by Bell, Joseph
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
