Epiphyses

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Epiphysis \E*piph"y*sis\, n.; pl. {Epiphyses}. [NL., fr. Gr.
     'epi`fysis, fr. 'epify`ein to grow upon; 'epi` upon + fy`ein
     to grow.] (Anat.)
     (a) The end, or other superficial part, of a bone, which
         ossifies separately from the central portion, or
         {diaphysis}.


     (b) The cerebral epiphysis, or pineal gland. See {Pineal
         gland}, under {Pineal}.
         [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  epiphyses
       See {epiphysis}

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  epiphysis
       n 1: the end of a long bone; initially separated from the main
            bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so
            the parts become fused
       2: a small endocrine gland in the brain; situated beneath the
          back part of the corpus callosum; secretes melatonin [syn:
           {pineal gland}, {pineal body}, {epiphysis cerebri}]
       [also: {epiphyses} (pl)]