epiphysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “epiphysis” mean?
The end part of a long bone, initially separated from the main bone by cartilage, which later fuses with it during growth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The end part of a long bone, initially separated from the main bone by cartilage, which later fuses with it during growth.
In anatomy, the rounded end of a long bone where bone growth occurs; in zoology, the pineal gland (epiphysis cerebri), a small endocrine gland in the brain.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
None beyond its technical medical/biological context.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both varieties, confined to professional/educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “epiphysis” in a Sentence
The [bone name] epiphysisepiphysis of the [bone name]fracture at the epiphysisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epiphysis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The epiphyseal plate is crucial for longitudinal bone growth.
- An epiphyseal fracture requires careful management.
American English
- The epiphyseal plate is key to long bone growth.
- An epiphyseal injury can affect growth.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and anatomy textbooks, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A doctor might explain a child's injury using simpler terms like 'growth plate'.
Technical
Core term in orthopaedics, radiology, comparative anatomy, and palaeontology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epiphysis”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epiphysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epiphysis”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈɛpɪfaɪsɪs/ (EP-i-fy-sis).
- Confusing it with 'apophysis'.
- Using it in non-anatomical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. The epiphysis is the rounded end of the bone itself. The 'growth plate' or 'epiphyseal plate' is the layer of cartilage *between* the epiphysis and the diaphysis (shaft) where growth actually occurs.
Yes, but in adults, the epiphysis has fused with the main bone (diaphysis). The former location is often marked by an 'epiphyseal line'.
It is a common hip disorder in adolescents where the ball (capital epiphysis) at the head of the femur slips off the neck of the bone at the growth plate.
Historically, the pineal gland was described as growing from the roof of the diencephalon in the brain. The term was borrowed from anatomy due to its perceived shape or position ('sitting upon' the brain), though this usage is now largely archaic in favour of 'pineal gland'.
The end part of a long bone, initially separated from the main bone by cartilage, which later fuses with it during growth.
Epiphysis is usually technical/scientific in register.
Epiphysis: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪfɪsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪfəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EPI (upon) + PHYSIS (growth). It's the part 'upon which' the bone grows in length.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GROWTH CENTER is a SEPARATE CAP (the epiphysis as a cap on the bone end that drives growth).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the epiphysis in a developing bone?