apophyseal
|ap-o-phy-se-al|
/ˌæpəˈfɪsiəl/
relating to a bony outgrowth
Etymology
'apophyseal' originates from Greek via New Latin, specifically the Greek word 'ἀπόφυσις' (apophysis), where the prefix 'ἀπό-' (apo-) meant 'away, off' and 'φύσις' (physis) meant 'a growth' or 'that which has grown'.
'apophyseal' developed from the Greek noun 'ἀπόφυσις' ('apophysis'), which passed into New Latin as 'apophysis'; English formed the adjective 'apophyseal' from that noun in modern usage.
Initially it referred to 'an offshoot or growth' (a protrusion); over time it came to be used specifically for 'a bony outgrowth or protuberance' and now means 'pertaining to an apophysis'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or situated at an apophysis (a bony outgrowth or protuberance, especially one for tendon or ligament attachment).
The radiologist noted irregularities in the apophyseal region of the vertebrae.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/21 05:08