symphysis

[ sim-fuh-sis ]

noun,plural sym·phy·ses [sim-fuh-seez]. /ˈsɪm fəˌsiz/. Anatomy, Zoology.
  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.

Origin of symphysis

1
1570–80; <New Latin <Greek sýmphysis a growing together, equivalent to sym-sym- + phýsis, equivalent to phy-, stem of phȳ́ein to grow (see be) + -sis-sis

Other words from symphysis

  • sym·phys·tic [sim-fis-tik], /sɪmˈfɪs tɪk/, adjective

Words Nearby symphysis

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How to use symphysis in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for symphysis

symphysis

/ (ˈsɪmfɪsɪs) /


nounplural -ses (-ˌsiːz)
  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

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

Origin of symphysis

1
C16: via New Latin from Greek sumphusis, from sumphuein, from syn- + phuein to grow

Derived forms of symphysis

  • symphysial or symphyseal (sɪmˈfɪzɪəl), adjective
  • symphystic (sɪmˈfɪstɪk) or symphytic, adjective

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