symphysis

American  

[sim-fuh-sis] / ˈsɪm fə sɪs /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

symphyses

1. the growing together, or the fixed or nearly fixed union, of bones, as that of the two halves of the lower jaw in humans or of the pubic bones in the anterior part of the pelvic girdle.

2. a line of junction or articulation so formed.

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symphysis British  

/ sɪmˈfɪstɪk, ˈsɪmfɪsɪs, sɪmˈfɪzɪəl /

noun

1. anatomy botany a growing together of parts or structures, such as two bony surfaces joined by an intermediate layer of fibrous cartilage

2. a line marking this growing together

3. pathol an abnormal adhesion of two or more parts or structures

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Other Word Forms

• symphysial adjective
• symphystic adjective

Etymology

Origin of symphysis

1570–80; < New Latin < Greek sýmphysis a growing together, equivalent to sym- sym- + phýsis, equivalent to phy-, stem of phȳ́ein to grow ( be ) + -sis -sis