zygapophysis

[ zig-uh-pof-uh-sis, zahy-guh- ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural zyg·a·poph·y·ses [zig-, uh, -, pof, -, uh, -seez, zahy-g, uh, -].

1. one of the four processes of a vertebra, occurring in pairs that interlock each vertebra with the vertebrae above and below.

zygapophysis

/ ˌzɪɡəˈpɒfɪsɪs; ˌzɪɡæpəˈfɪzɪəl; ˌzaɪɡə- /

noun

1. anatomy zoology one of several processes on a vertebra that articulates with the corresponding process on an adjacent vertebra

Derived Forms

• zygapophyseal, adjective

Other Words From

• zyg·ap·o·phys·e·al zyg·ap·o·phys·i·al [zig-ap-, uh, -, fiz, -ee-, uh, l, zahy-gap-], adjective
• postzyg·ap·o·physe·al adjective
• postzyg·ap·o·physi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zygapophysis¹

First recorded in 1850–55; zyg- ( def ) + apophysis

Word History and Origins

Origin of zygapophysis¹

C19: from zygo- + apophysis

Example Sentences

Zygapophysis, zī-ga-pof′i-sis, n. one of the yoke-pieces or articulations of the vertebr�: pl.

From Project Gutenberg