- Xiphoid process
- A pointed cartilage attached to the lower end of the breastbone or sternum, the smallest and lowest division of the sternum. Cartilaginous early in life, it may become ossified (bony) in adults. It is sometimes simply called the xiphoid. Also known as the ensiform cartilage or process. The ancients thought the xiphoid looked like the tip of a sword. The word "xiphoid" is from the Greek "xiphos" (straight sword) + "eidos" (like) = straight sword. "Ensiform" is from the Latin "ensis" (sword) + "forma" (shape) = sword shape.
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xiphoid process n the smallest and lowest division of the human sternum that is cartilaginous early in life but becomes more or less ossified during adulthood called also ensiform cartilage, ensiform process* * *
(xiphoid cartilage)dimethylbenzenethe lowermost section of the breastbone (see sternum): a flat pointed cartilage that gradually ossifies until it is completely replaced by bone, a process not completed until after middle age. It does not articulate with any ribs. Also called: ensiform process or cartilage, xiphisternum.* * *
processus xiphoideus.
Medical dictionary. 2011.