phrenic

adjective

phren·​ic ˈfre-nik How to pronounce phrenic (audio)
1
: of or relating to the diaphragm
2
: of or relating to the mind

Examples of phrenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of these neurotransmitters, called dopamine, plays a role in regulating the phrenic nerve, which controls breathing in the diaphragm. — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025 The left and right phrenic nerves control movement of the left and right side of the diaphragm, respectively.10 During inhalation, the phrenic nerve signals the diaphragm to contract, allowing the lungs to expand and gather in air. — Soma Mandal, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from new Latin phrenicus, from Late Latin phren-, phrēn "midriff, diaphragm, mind" (usually in plural phrenes) (borrowed from Greek phren-, phrḗn) + Latin -icus -ic entry 1 — more at frenetic

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phrenic was in 1685

Rhymes for phrenic

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Browse Nearby Words

-phrenia
phrenic
phrenocardiac
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Cite this Entry

“Phrenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrenic. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

phrenic

1 of 2 adjective
phren·​ic ˈfren-ik How to pronounce phrenic (audio)
: of or relating to the diaphragm

phrenic

2 of 2 noun
: phrenic nerve
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