xiphoid process
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈzɪfɔɪd ˈprɒsɛs/
- Specialized
:
proceso xifoides
- In CPR training, we were taught to avoid applying pressure to the xiphoid process to prevent injury.
Examples
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During the anatomy lesson, we learned how the xiphoid process connects to the ribs and sternum.
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To get the length of the tube that I'm gonna need, I measure from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and down to the xiphoid process, which is here.
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A Y-incision was made from the biIateraI cIavicuIar joints to the xiphoid process.
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The doctor explained that the xiphoid process is the small triangular bone at the base of the sternum.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A small bone or soft piece of cartilage at the lower end of the breastbone
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is fully compositional: 'xiphoid' names the specific small bony/cartilaginous projection and 'process' is the standard anatomical term for a projection, so the phrase denotes that projection of the sternum. Although technical, if a learner already knows both constituent meanings the overall sense is directly predictable and follows common anatomical naming patterns.
Etymology
Xiphoid process comes from an old Greek word for 'sword'. The word xiphoid means 'sword-like' and process means a small point, so the name describes the little sword-shaped piece at the bottom of the breastbone.