1
: of or relating to the diaphragm
2
: of or relating to the mind

Examples of phrenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This inflammation can irritate the phrenic nerve that runs from the neck down to the diaphragm, resulting in intensely sharp pain in the right shoulder blade. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 31 Dec. 2024 Cancer may also be found in the bronchus, pleura, diaphragm, chest wall, breastbone, backbone, phrenic nerve, pericardium, vena cava, aorta, pharynx, trachea, esophagus, and/or carina (the area where the trachea branches into the bronchi). Lynne Eldridge, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from new Latin phrenicus, from Late Latin phren-, phrēn "midriff, diaphragm, mind" (usually in plural phrenes) (borrowed from Greek phren-, phrḗn) + Latin -icus -ic entry 1 — more at frenetic

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phrenic was in 1685

Dictionary Entries Near phrenic

Cite this Entry

“Phrenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrenic. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

phrenic

1 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to the diaphragm

phrenic

2 of 2 noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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