zygapophysis

noun

zyg·​apoph·​y·​sis ˌzī-gə-ˈpä-fə-səs 

plural zygapophyses ˌzī-gə-ˈpä-fə-ˌsēz 

: any of the articular processes of the neural arch of a vertebra of which there are usually two anterior and two posterior

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

zygapophysis

noun

zyg·​apoph·​y·​sis ˌzī-gə-ˈpäf-ə-səs 

plural zygapophyses -ˌsēz 

: any of the articular processes of the neural arch of a vertebra of which there are usually two anterior and two posterior