Symphysis

2 definitions found

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

  Symphysis \Sym"phy*sis\, n.; pl. {Symphyses}. [NL., fr. Gr. ?,
     fr. ? to make to grow together; sy`n with + ? to cause to
     grow; to grow.] (Anat.)
     (a) An articulation formed by intervening cartilage; as, the
         pubic symphysis.
     (b) The union or coalescence of bones; also, the place of


         union or coalescence; as, the symphysis of the lower jaw.
         Cf. {Articulation}.
         [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  symphysis
       n 1: an abnormal adhesion of two or more structures
       2: a growing together of parts or structures
       [also: {symphyses} (pl)]