SYMPHYSIS (symphyses)

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

Irregular inflected form: symphyses   

 Dictionary entry overview: What does symphysis mean? 

• SYMPHYSIS (noun)
  The noun SYMPHYSIS has 2 senses:

1. an abnormal adhesion of two or more structures

2. a growing together of parts or structures

  Familiarity information: SYMPHYSIS used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SYMPHYSIS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An abnormal adhesion of two or more structures

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

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

adhesion (abnormal union of bodily tissues; most common in the abdomen)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A growing together of parts or structures

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

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

biological process; organic process (a process occurring in living organisms)

 Context examples 

The aspect of the prostate facing the pubic symphysis.

(Anterior Surface of the Prostate, NCI Thesaurus)

Example(s): pubic symphysis, knee joint, temporomandibular joint.

(Joint, NCI Thesaurus/UWDA)