sinus

noun

si·​nus ˈsī-nəs How to pronounce sinus (audio)
: cavity, hollow: such as
a
: a narrow elongated tract extending from a focus of suppuration and serving for the discharge of pus
b(1)
: a cavity in the substance of a bone of the skull that usually communicates with the nostrils and contains air
(2)
: a channel for venous blood
(3)
: a dilatation in a bodily canal or vessel
c
: a cleft or indentation between adjoining lobes (as of a leaf or corolla)

Examples of sinus 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.
When left untreated, this condition can lead to rare but potentially life-threatening complications, like cellulitis (a skin infection that can get into your bloodstream) and cavernous sinus thrombosis (a clot that restricts blood flow to your brain), Dr. Shokeen explains. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024 Because inhaling increases heart rate and exhaling decreases it, spending more time exhaling has the effect of gradually lowering your heart rate—this is known as respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Bryant Richardson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Simon died in Ojai, Calif. of sinus cancer while in hospice care, The New York Times reported. Rachel Desantis, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024 Concerning causes of bradycardia include problems with the heart’s electrical signal, such as sick sinus syndrome. Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sinus 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, curve, fold, hollow

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sinus was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sinus

Cite this Entry

“Sinus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinus. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sinus

noun
si·​nus ˈsī-nəs How to pronounce sinus (audio)
: a hollow place : cavity
especially : any of several cavities in the skull that usually connect with the nostrils

Medical Definition

sinus

noun
si·​nus ˈsī-nəs How to pronounce sinus (audio)
: a cavity or hollow in the body: as
a
: a narrow elongated tract extending from a focus of suppuration and serving for the discharge of pus
a tuberculous sinus
b(1)
: a cavity in the substance of a bone of the skull that usually communicates with the nostrils and contains air
(2)
: a channel for venous blood
(3)
: a dilatation in a bodily canal or vessel

More from Merriam-Webster on sinus

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