'sternal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sternalis', where 'sternum' meant 'breastbone'.

'sternal' changed from Latin 'sternalis' (from Latin 'sternum') and was adopted into Middle English as 'sternal', eventually becoming the modern English 'sternal'. The ultimate root is Greek 'sternon' meaning 'chest' or 'breastbone'.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to the chest/breastbone', and over time it has been used more specifically to mean 'of or relating to the sternum (breastbone)'.