%sternum%

‖n.; pl. Episterna [ NL. See Epi-, and Sternum. ] 1. (Anat.) (a) A median bone connected with the sternum, in many vertebrates; the interclavicle. (b) Same as Epiplastron. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zoöl.) One of the lateral pieces next to the sternum in the thorax of insects. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ Hyo- + sternum. ] (Anat.) See Hyoplastron. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. L. Hyposterna E. Hyposternums [ Pref. hypo- + sternum. ] (Anat.) See Hypoplastron.

‖n. [ Meso- + sternum. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Anat.) The middle portion, or body, of the sternum. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) The ventral piece of the middle segment of the thorax in insects. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ Pref. meta- + sternum. ] 1. (Anat.) The most posterior element of the sternum; the ensiform process; xiphisternum. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) The ventral plate of the third or last segment of the thorax of insects. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Omo- + sternum. ] (Anat.) (a) The anterior element of the sternum which projects forward from between the clavicles in many batrachians and is usually tipped with cartilage. (b) In many mammals, an interarticular cartilage, or bone, between the sternum and the clavicle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n., n., n., n., n. Same as Preoral, Prepubis, Prescapula, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ NL. ] (Anat.) The anterior segment of the sternum; the manubrium. -- Pre*ster"nal a. [1913 Webster]

n. [ NL. See Pro- and Sternum. ] (Zool.) The ventral plate of the prothorax of an insect. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. L. Sterna E. Sternums [ NL., from Gr. &unr_;, the breast, chest. ] 1. (Anat.) A plate of cartilage, or a series of bony or cartilaginous plates or segments, in the median line of the pectoral skeleton of most vertebrates above fishes; the breastbone. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The sternum is connected with the ribs or the pectorial girdle, or with both. In man it is a flat bone, broad anteriorly, narrowed behind, and connected with the clavicles and the cartilages of the seven anterior pairs of ribs. In most birds it has a high median keel for the attachment of the muscles of the wings. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) The ventral part of any one of the somites of an arthropod. [ 1913 Webster ]