xiphisternum

noun

xi·​phi·​ster·​num ˌzī-fə-ˈstər-nəm How to pronounce xiphisternum (audio)
ˌzi-
plural xiphisterna ˌzī-fə-ˈstər-nə How to pronounce xiphisternum (audio)
ˌzi-
: xiphoid process

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek xiphos sword + New Latin sternum

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of xiphisternum was circa 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Xiphisternum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xiphisternum. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

xiphisternum

noun
xi·​phi·​ster·​num ˌzī-fə-ˈstər-nəm, ˌzif-ə- How to pronounce xiphisternum (audio)
plural xiphisterna -nə How to pronounce xiphisternum (audio)
: xiphoid process

More from Merriam-Webster on xiphisternum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about xiphisternum

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