a·poph·y·sis (ə-pŏf'ĭ-sĭs) n.
pl.a·poph·y·ses (-sēz')
Anatomy A natural swelling, projection, or outgrowth of an organ or part, such as the process of a vertebra.
Geology A branch from a dike or vein.
[New Latin, from Greek apophusis, from apophuein, to send out branches : apo-, apo- + phuein, to grow; see bheuə- in Indo-European roots.] a·poph'y·sate' (-sāt'), a·poph'y·se'al (-sē'əl) adj.
Main Entry: apoph·y·sis Pronunciation: &-'päf-&-s&s Function: noun Inflected Form: pluralapoph·y·ses/-"sEz/ : an expanded or projecting part especially of an organism —apoph·y·se·al/-"päf-&-'sE-&l/adjective
apophysis a·poph·y·sis (ə-pŏf'ĭ-sĭs) n.pl.a·poph·y·ses (-sēz') An outgrowth or projection of an organ or part, especially an outgrowth from a bone that lacks an independent center of ossification.
ap'o·phys'i·al (āp'ə-fĭz'ē-əl) or a·poph'y·se'al (-sē'əl) adj.