epiphysis (redirected from epiphyses)

e·piph·y·sis  (-pf-ss)

n. pl. e·piph·y·ses (-sz)

1. The end of a long bone that is originally separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage but later becomes united to the main bone through ossification.

2. See pineal gland.

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[Greek epiphusis, an excrescence : epi-, epi- + phusis, growth; see bheu- in Indo-European roots.]

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epi·physi·al (p-fz-l), epi·physe·al adj.

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epiphysis [ɪˈpɪfɪsɪs]

n pl -ses [-ˌsiːz]

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) the end of a long bone, initially separated from the shaft (diaphysis) by a section of cartilage that eventually ossifies so that the two portions fuse together

2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) Also called epiphysis cerebri [ˈsɛrɪbraɪ] the technical name for pineal gland

[via New Latin from Greek: a growth upon, from epi- + phusis growth, from phuein to bring forth, produce]

epiphyseal , epiphysial [ˌɛpɪˈfɪzɪəl] adj

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	epiphysis - the end of a long bone; initially separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so the parts become fused long bone, os longum - in limbs of vertebrate animals: a long cylindrical bone that contains marrow
	2.	epiphysis - a small endocrine gland in the brain; situated beneath the back part of the corpus callosum; secretes melatonin epiphysis cerebri, pineal body, pineal gland ductless gland, endocrine gland, endocrine - any of the glands of the endocrine system that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream