'Epiphysis' definitions:
Definition of 'epiphysis'
(from WordNet)
noun
The end of a long bone; initially separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so the parts become fused
noun
A small endocrine gland in the brain; situated beneath the back part of the corpus callosum; secretes melatonin [syn: pineal gland, pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, epiphysis]
Definition of 'Epiphysis'
From: GCIDE
- Epiphysis \E*piph"y*sis\, n.; pl. Epiphyses. [NL., fr. Gr. 'epi`fysis, fr. 'epify`ein to grow upon; 'epi` upon + fy`ein to grow.] (Anat.) (a) The end, or other superficial part, of a bone, which ossifies separately from the central portion, or diaphysis. (b) The cerebral epiphysis, or pineal gland. See {Pineal gland}, under Pineal. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'epiphysis'
From: GCIDE
- Pineal \Pi"ne*al\, a. [L. pinea the cone of a pine, from pineus of the pine, from pinus a pine: cf. F. pin['e]ale.] Of or pertaining to a pine cone; resembling a pine cone. [1913 Webster]
- Pineal gland (Anat.), a glandlike body in the roof of the third ventricle of the vertebrate brain; -- called also pineal body, epiphysis, conarium. In some animals it is connected with a rudimentary eye, the so-called pineal eye, and in other animals it is supposed to be the remnant of a dorsal median eye. [1913 Webster]