transverse process

noun

anatomy
: either of the two bony processes of a vertebra that project laterally from the neural arch at the junction of a pedicle and lamina and that provide attachment for muscles and ligaments concerned especially with rotation, lateral flexion, and stability of the spinal column

Examples of transverse process in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On Friday morning, his status suddenly changed, the Chargers saying additional tests revealed a transverse process fracture. Staff Writer follow, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2023 The Chargers said the X-ray on Sunday and an MRI on Monday both were negative but a rescan Friday morning showed a small transverse process fracture. Joe Reedy, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Jan. 2023 Gipson hasn't been on the injury report lately, but has dealt with a broken wrist and a transverse process fracture in his back this season. Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle, 31 Dec. 2019 The transverse process is a small bony projection off the right and left side of each vertebrae. Tom Cavavan, courant.com, 25 Nov. 2019 Peppers has broken bone in back: Giants safety Jabrill Peppers sustained a fractured transverse process in his back. Tom Cavavan, courant.com, 25 Nov. 2019 Cam Newton suffered two transverse process fractures in a 2014 car accident, missed one game with the injuries and returned for the final two weeks of the regular season and the playoffs. Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 17 Nov. 2019 The usual healing time for a transverse process fracture is 4-6 weeks, and as NFL quarterbacks Tony Romo, Cam Newton and Derek Carr can attest, this type of injury usually doesn’t result in career-ending complications. Rene Ferran For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 16 Sep. 2019 Quarterback Derek Carr broke the transverse process in his back and missed just one game after being told he’d have some pain but wasn’t in danger of something more serious. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 11 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transverse process.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transverse process was in 1696

Dictionary Entries Near transverse process

Cite this Entry

“Transverse process.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transverse%20process. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

transverse process

noun
: either of the two bony processes of a vertebra that project laterally from the neural arch at the junction of a pedicle and lamina and that provide attachment for muscles and ligaments concerned especially with rotation, lateral flexion, and stability of the spinal column
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!