epiphysis

noun

epiph·​y·​sis i-ˈpi-fə-səs 

plural epiphyses i-ˈpi-fə-ˌsēz 

1

: a part or process of a bone that ossifies separately and later becomes ankylosed to the main part of the bone

especially : an end of a long bone

2

: pineal gland

Examples of epiphysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, the epiphyses on the ischium and the ends of the femur and shin bone (tibia) were well-developed but hadn’t yet fused—in other words, DH7 wasn’t a very young child but was definitely still growing. —Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 10 Apr. 2020

Vidyadhar Upasani, a pediatric orthopedist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, uses 3-D printing to help plan intricate bone procedures to treat, for example, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, the most common hip disorder in adolescents. —Erin Blakemore, Washington Post, 11 June 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, growth, from epiphyesthai to grow on, from epi- + phyesthai to grow, middle voice of phyein to bring forth — more at be

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

epiphysis

noun

epiph·​y·​sis i-ˈpif-ə-səs 

plural epiphyses -ˌsēz 

1

: a part or process of a bone that ossifies separately and later becomes ankylosed to the main part of the bone

especially : the usually rounded end of the shaft of a long bone that is composed mainly of cancellous bone covered by a thin layer of compact bone compare diaphysis

2

: pineal gland