BREASTBONE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does breastbone mean? 

• BREASTBONE (noun)
  The noun BREASTBONE has 1 sense:

1. the flat bone that articulates with the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribs

  Familiarity information: BREASTBONE used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BREASTBONE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The flat bone that articulates with the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribs

Classified under:

Nouns denoting body parts

Synonyms:

breastbone; sternum

Hypernyms ("breastbone" is a kind of...):

bone; os (rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates)

Meronyms (parts of "breastbone"):

corpus sternum; gladiolus (the large central part of the breastbone)

manubrium (the upper part of the breastbone)

xiphoid process (smallest of the three parts of the breastbone; articulates with the corpus sternum and the seventh rib)

Holonyms ("breastbone" is a part of...):

chest; pectus; thorax (the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates)

axial skeleton (the part of the skeleton that includes the skull and spinal column and sternum and ribs)

 Context examples 

It is inserted into the chest through a cut above the breastbone.

(Mediastinoscope, NCI Dictionary)

The mediastinoscope is inserted into the chest through an incision above the breastbone.

(Mediastinoscopy, NCI Dictionary)

A procedure in which a tube is inserted into the chest to view the tissues and organs in the area between the lungs and between the breastbone and heart.

(Anterior mediastinotomy, NCI Dictionary)

It includes the ribs and breastbone.

(Chest Injuries and Disorders, NIH)

The breastbone is attached to the collarbone and the first seven ribs.

(Breastbone, NCI Dictionary)

A procedure in which a small sample of bone marrow is removed, usually from the hip bone, breastbone, or thigh bone.

(Bone marrow aspiration, NCI Dictionary)

The clavicles connect the breastbone to the shoulder blades.

(Clavicle, NCI Dictionary)

The tube is inserted through an incision next to the breastbone.

(Anterior mediastinotomy, NCI Dictionary)

Chest injuries and disorders include: • Heart diseases • Lung diseases and collapsed lung • Pleural disorders • Esophagus disorders • Broken ribs • Thoracic aortic aneurysms • Disorders of the mediastinum, the space between the lungs, breastbone, and spine

(Chest Injuries and Disorders, NIH)