breastbone

noun

breast·​bone ˈbres(t)-ˌbōn How to pronounce breastbone (audio)

Examples of breastbone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
It is often felt in the chest or behind the breastbone, leading to confusion with more serious conditions like heart problems.1 Heartburn can also be felt in the neck or throat. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Jolie opted for a three-piece suit from Dolce & Gabbana, wearing a black blazer over a partially unbuttoned waistcoat, which showed off the swallow tattoo on her breastbone, as well as a sliver of midriff. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024 In a nutshell, costochondritis is when the cartilage that connects your rib bones to your breastbone becomes inflamed, Timothy Mott, MD, a family medicine physician at the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Alabama, tells SELF. Katie Camero, SELF, 17 Oct. 2024 The cardiothoracic surgeon will make a large incision down the center of your chest, cut open the sternum (breastbone), and spread the rib cage to visualize and operate on the heart. Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for breastbone 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breastbone was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near breastbone

Cite this Entry

“Breastbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastbone. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

breastbone

noun
breast·​bone ˈbres(t)-ˈbōn How to pronounce breastbone (audio)
-ˌbōn

Medical Definition

breastbone

noun
breast·​bone ˈbres(t)-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn How to pronounce breastbone (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on breastbone

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