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symphysis

noun
sym·​phy·​sis | \ ˈsim(p)-fÉ™-sÉ™s How to pronounce symphysis (audio) \
plural symphyses\ ˈsim(p)-​fÉ™-​ËŒsÄ“z How to pronounce symphyses (audio) \

Definition of symphysis

1 : an immovable or more or less movable articulation of various bones in the median plane of the body
2 : an articulation in which the bony surfaces are connected by pads of fibrous cartilage without a synovial membrane

Examples of symphysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 This injury meant that Listenbee was experiencing serious inflammation in the pubic symphysis (which refers to the cartilage uniting the two pubic bones) and surrounding muscles. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Breaking Down Kolby Listenbee's Lawsuit Against TCU, Gary Patterson and the Big 12," 1 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'symphysis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of symphysis

circa 1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for symphysis

New Latin, from Greek, state of growing together, from symphyesthai to grow together, from syn- + phyein to make grow, bring forth — more at be

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More Definitions for symphysis

symphysis

noun
sym·​phy·​sis | \ ˈsim(p)-fÉ™-sÉ™s How to pronounce symphysis (audio) \
plural symphyses\ -​ËŒsÄ“z How to pronounce symphyses (audio) \

Medical Definition of symphysis

1 : an immovable or more or less movable articulation of various bones in the median plane of the body — see pubic symphysis
2 : an articulation (as between the bodies of vertebrae) in which the bony surfaces are connected by pads of fibrous cartilage without a synovial membrane

More from Merriam-Webster on symphysis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symphysis

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