xiphisternum Meaning, Definition & Usage

Xiph"i*ster"num noun

Etymology

NL., fr. Gr. xi`fos a sword + sternum.

Wordforms

plural Xiphisterna

Definitions

1. (Anat.) (a) The posterior segment, or extremity, of the sternum; -- sometimes called metasternum, ensiform cartilage, ensiform process, or xiphoid process. (b) The xiphiplastron. -- Xiph"i*ster"nal a.