STERNUM

sternum, breastbone

(noun) the flat bone that articulates with the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribs

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

sternum (plural sterna or sternums)

(anatomy) The breastbone [from 1660]

(arachnology) The sclerotized plate of spiders, between the coxae, marking the floor of the cephalothorax

Anagrams

• Munster, Münster, munters

Source: Wiktionary


Ster"num, n.; pl. L. Sterna, E. Sternums. Etym: [NL., from Gr.

1. (Anat.)

Definition: A plate of cartilage, or a series of bony or cartilaginous plates or segments, in the median line of the pectoral skeleton of most vertebrates above fishes; the breastbone.

Note: The sternum is connected with the ribs or the pectorial girdle, or with both. In man it is a flat bone, broad anteriorly, narrowed behind, and connected with the clavicles and the cartilages of the seven anterior pairs of ribs. In most birds it has a high median keel for the attachment of the muscles of the wings.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: The ventral part of any one of the somites of an arthropod.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

22 May 2025

BOLLARD

(noun) a strong post (as on a wharf or quay or ship for attaching mooring lines); “the road was closed to vehicular traffic with bollards”


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