a·poph·y·sis ( -p f  -ss)n. pl. a·poph·y·ses (-s  z ) 1. Anatomy A natural swelling, projection, or outgrowth of an organ or part, such as the process of a vertebra. 2. Geology A branch from a dike or vein. [New Latin, from Greek apophusis, from apophuein, to send out branches : apo-, apo- + phuein, to grow; see bheu - in Indo-European roots.]a·poph y·sate (-s t), a·pophy·seal (-sl) adj. |
apophysis [əˈpɒfɪsɪs]
n pl -ses [-ˌsiːz]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) a process, outgrowth, or swelling from part of an animal or plant
2. (Earth Sciences / Geological Science) Geology a tapering offshoot from a larger igneous intrusive mass
[via New Latin from Greek apophusis a sideshoot, from apo- + phusis growth]
apophysate [əˈpɒfɪsɪt -seɪt] adj
apophysial [ˌæpəˈfɪzɪəl] adj
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | apophysis - (botany) a natural swelling or enlargement: at the base of the stalk or seta in certain mosses or on the cone scale of certain conifers plant process, enation - a natural projection or outgrowth from a plant body or organ |
| 2. |  apophysis - (anatomy) a natural outgrowth or projection on an organ or body part such as the process of a vertebravertebra - one of the bony segments of the spinal column appendage, outgrowth, process - a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant; "a bony process" anatomy, general anatomy - the branch of morphology that deals with the structure of animals |
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