ster·num (stûr n m)n. pl. ster·nums or ster·na (-n ) A long flat bone in most vertebrates that is situated along the ventral midline of the thorax and articulates with the ribs. The manubrium of the sternum articulates with the clavicles in humans and certain other vertebrates. Also called breastbone. [New Latin, from Greek sternon, breast, breastbone; see ster-2 in Indo-European roots.] |
sternum [ˈstɜːnəm]
n pl -na [-nə], -nums
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) (in man) a long flat vertical bone, situated in front of the thorax, to which are attached the collarbone and the first seven pairs of ribs Nontechnical name breastbone
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the corresponding part in many other vertebrates
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a cuticular plate covering the ventral surface of a body segment of an arthropod Compare tergum
[via New Latin from Greek sternon breastbone]
sternal adj
| sternum (stûrnm) A long, flat bone located in the center of the chest, serving as a support for the collarbone and ribs. Also called breastbone. See more at skeleton. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  sternum - the flat bone that articulates with the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribscorpus sternum, gladiolus - the large central part of the breastbone manubrium - the upper part of the breastbone xiphoid process - smallest of the three parts of the breastbone; articulates with the corpus sternum and the seventh rib chest, pectus, thorax - the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates axial skeleton - the part of the skeleton that includes the skull and spinal column and sternum and ribs |
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