ramus

noun

ra·​mus ˈrā-məs 

plural rami ˈrā-ˌmī 

: a projecting part, elongated process, or branch: such as

a

: the posterior more or less vertical part on each side of the lower jaw that articulates with the skull

b

: a branch of a nerve

Examples of ramus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other features related more closely to the platypus than the echidna have to do with its ramus, or the part of the jaw that attaches to the skull. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, branch — more at ramify

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ramus

noun

ra·​mus ˈrā-məs 

plural rami -ˌmī 

: a projecting part, elongated process, or branch: as

a

: the posterior more or less vertical part of the lower jaw on each side which articulates with the skull

b(1)

: the upper more cranial branch of the pubis that extends from the pubic symphysis to the body of the pubis at the acetabulum and forms the cranial part of the obturator foramen

called also superior ramus

(2)

: the thin flat lower branch of the pubis that extends from the pubic symphysis to unite with the ramus of the ischium in forming the inferior rim of the obturator foramen

called also inferior ramus

c

: a branch of the ischium that extends down and forward from the ischial tuberosity to unite with the inferior ramus of the pubis in forming the inferior rim of the obturator foramen

called also inferior ramus

d

: a branch of a nerve see ramus communicans