apophysis

2 definitions found

apophysis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Apophysis \A*poph"y*sis\, n.; pl. -ses. [NL., fr. Gr. ?
     offshoot, process of a bone, fr. ? to grow from; ? from + ?,
     ?, to grow.]
     1. (Anat.) A marked prominence or process on any part of a
        bone.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Bot.) An enlargement at the top of a pedicel or stem, as
        seen in certain mosses. --Gray.
        [1913 Webster] Apoplectic

apophysis - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  apophysis
      n 1: (botany) a natural swelling or enlargement: at the base of
           the stalk or seta in certain mosses or on the cone scale of
           certain conifers
      2: (anatomy) a natural outgrowth or projection on an organ or
         body part such as the process of a vertebra