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xiphoid process

Syllabification: (xiph·oid proc·ess)
(also xiphoid cartilage)
Definition of xiphoid process

noun

Anatomy
  • the cartilaginous section at the lower end of the sternum, which is not attached to any ribs and gradually ossifies during adult life.

Origin:

mid 18th century (as xiphoid cartilage): xiphoid from Greek xiphoeidēs, from xiphos 'sword'

xiphoid process in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of xiphoid process in the British & World English dictionary

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