sternum

[ stur-nuh m ]
/ ˈstɜr nəm /

noun, plural ster·na [stur-nuh] /ˈstɜr nə/, ster·nums.

Anatomy, Zoology. a bone or series of bones extending along the middle line of the ventral portion of the body of most vertebrates, consisting in humans of a flat, narrow bone connected with the clavicles and the true ribs; breastbone.
the ventral surface of a body segment of an arthropod.

Origin of sternum

1660–70; < New Latin < Greek stérnon chest, breastbone

Words nearby sternum

sternoschisis, sternotomy, sternovertebral, sternpost, sternson, sternum, sternutation, sternutator, sternutatory, sternward, sternwards

Example sentences from the Web for sternum

British Dictionary definitions for sternum

sternum
/ (ˈstɜːnəm) /

noun plural -na (-nə) or -nums

(in man) a long flat vertical bone, situated in front of the thorax, to which are attached the collarbone and the first seven pairs of ribs Nontechnical name: breastbone
the corresponding part in many other vertebrates
a cuticular plate covering the ventral surface of a body segment of an arthropod Compare tergum

Derived forms of sternum

sternal, adjective

Word Origin for sternum

C17: via New Latin from Greek sternon breastbone

Medical definitions for sternum

sternum
[ stûr′nəm ]

n. pl. ster•nums

A long flat bone, articulating with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle, forming the middle part of the anterior wall of the thorax, and consisting of the corpus, manubrium, and xiphoid process. breastbone

Scientific definitions for sternum

sternum
[ stûr′nəm ]

A long, flat bone located in the center of the chest, serving as a support for the collarbone and ribs. Also called breastbone See more at skeleton.