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plural sternums or sterna
ˈstər-nə
: a compound ventral bone or cartilage of most vertebrates other than fishes that connects the ribs or the shoulder girdle or both and in humans consists of the manubrium, gladiolus, and xiphoid process
called also breastbone
Examples of sternum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
John McGinty sustained a fractured sternum and severe fractures to his left arm and wrist, leading to a bone graft.
—David K. Li, NBC News, 3 Oct. 2024
The cardiothoracic surgeon will make a large incision down the center of your chest, cut open the sternum (breastbone), and spread the rib cage to visualize and operate on the heart.
—Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024
Meanwhile, John has diminished use of his left wrist and a fractured sternum.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 2 Oct. 2024
This everyday backpack has a breathable back panel, an adjustable sternum strap, a scratch-resistant front pocket, two mesh water bottle pockets, and a padded sleeve that’ll keep your laptop, tablet, or portable gaming system protected.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2024
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“Sternum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sternum. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
sternum
noun
ster·num
ˈstər-nəm
plural sternums or sterna
-nə
: a compound ventral bone or cartilage that lies in the median central part of the body of most vertebrates above fishes and that in humans is about seven inches (18 centimeters) long, consists in the adult of three parts, and connects with the clavicles and the cartilages of the upper seven pairs of ribs
called also breastbone
More from Merriam-Webster on sternum
Nglish: Translation of sternum for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sternum
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