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sterna

 - 7 dictionary results

ster⋅num

  [stur-nuhm]
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–noun, plural -na  [-nuh] , -nums.
1. Anatomy, Zoology. a bone or series of bones extending along the middle line of the ventral portion of the body of most vertebrates, consisting in humans of a flat, narrow bone connected with the clavicles and the true ribs; breastbone.
2. the ventral surface of a body segment of an arthropod.
Origin:
1660–70; < NL < Gk stérnon chest, breastbone
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ster·na   (stûr'nə)   
n.  A plural of sternum.
ster·num   (stûr'nəm)   
n.   pl. ster·nums or ster·na (-nə)
A long flat bone in most vertebrates that is situated along the ventral midline of the thorax and articulates with the ribs. The manubrium of the sternum articulates with the clavicles in humans and certain other vertebrates. Also called breastbone.

[New Latin, from Greek sternon, breast, breastbone; see ster-2 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: sterna
plural of STERNUM

Main Entry: ster·num
Pronunciation: 'st&r-n&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ster·nums or ster·na /-n&/
: a compound ventral bone or cartilage that lies in the median central part of the body of most vertebrates above fishes and that in humans is about seven inches (18centimeters) long, consists in the adult of three parts, and connects with the clavicles and the cartilages of the upper seven pairs of ribs called also breastbone
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

sternum ster·num (stûr'nəm)
n. pl. ster·nums or ster·na (-nə)
A long flat bone, articulating with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle, forming the middle part of the anterior wall of the thorax, and consisting of the corpus, manubrium, and xiphoid process. Also called breastbone.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
sternum   (stûr'nəm)  Pronunciation Key 
A long, flat bone located in the center of the chest, serving as a support for the collarbone and ribs. Also called breastbone. See more at skeleton.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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