apophysis
nounfemininetécnico/ɐ.ˈpɔ.fi.zɨ/rare
a·pó·fi·se
Definition
(Anatomy) A natural protuberance or outgrowth from a bone, often for muscle or ligament attachment.
The styloid process is an apophysis of the temporal bone.
The fracture involved an apophysis of the vertebra.
Common collocations
styloid apophysisvertebral apophysis
Etymology
Do grego 'apóphysis' (processo de um osso), pelo latim 'apophysis'.