sternum(n = noun.body) breastbone - the flat bone that articulates with the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribs;
is a kind of bone, os
is a part of chest, pectus, thorax, axial skeleton
has parts: corpus sternum, gladiolus, manubrium, xiphoid process
Derived form adjective sternal1
1. 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. The ventral part of any one of the somites of an arthropod. [1913 Webster]
sternum, n. (pl. sternums or sterna) the breastbone.
Etymology:
mod.L f. Gk sternon chest