symphysis

[ sim-fuh-sis ]
/ ˈsɪm fə sɪs /

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

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.
a line of junction or articulation so formed.

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 (see be) + -sis -sis

OTHER WORDS FROM symphysis

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

Words nearby symphysis

symphony, symphony orchestra, symphysial, symphysion, symphysiotomy, symphysis, symplast, symplegades, symploce, sympodia, sympodium

Example sentences from the Web for symphysis

British Dictionary definitions for symphysis

symphysis
/ (ˈsɪmfɪsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-ˌsiːz)

anatomy botany a growing together of parts or structures, such as two bony surfaces joined by an intermediate layer of fibrous cartilage
a line marking this growing together
pathol an abnormal adhesion of two or more parts or structures

Derived forms of symphysis

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

Word Origin for symphysis

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

Medical definitions for symphysis

symphysis
[ sĭm′fĭ-sĭs ]

n. pl. sym•phy•ses (-sēz′)

A form of cartilaginous joint in which union between two bones is effected by fibrocartilage without a synovial membrane.
A union, meeting point, or commissure of two structures.
A growing together of bones originally separate, as of the two pubic bones.
A line or junction thus formed.
A pathological adhesion or growing together.