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Glite Dictionary
corpus sternum

corpus sternum

8.9
The middle flat part of the chest bone between its top and lower tip
  • noun
  • /ˈkɔrpəs ˈstɜrnəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cuerpo del esternón
  • In medical school, students learn to identify the corpus sternum during anatomy labs.

Examples

  • The surgeon made an incision near the corpus sternum to access the patient's heart.

  • During a physical exam, the doctor palpated the corpus sternum to check for abnormalities.

  • A fracture in the corpus sternum can be quite serious and requires attentive care.

  • The corpus sternum connects the ribs to the breastbone.

  • During the surgery, the doctor examined the corpus sternum carefully.

  • In anatomy class, we studied the structure of the corpus sternum and its role in rib attachment.

  • The corpus sternum plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs in the chest cavity.

Synonyms

gladiolus
vscorpus sternum
  • Specialized
1 9.9

The wide middle part of the breastbone at the front of the chest

means the same section but uses large rather than broad wording

Surface Forms

corpus sternum singular
corpora sternum plural

Morphology

corpus + sternum

Both constituents have direct anatomical senses ('corpus' = central mass or main body; 'sternum' = breastbone), so the phrase denotes the main body portion of the sternum and its meaning is compositionally predictable. Although the term is technical and Latin-derived, its structure follows regular anatomical naming conventions and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Corpus sternum comes from Latin words corpus meaning 'body' and sternum meaning 'breastbone'. It shows the main middle part of the chest bone, so today it means the large central part of the sternum.