How to Pronounce Epiphysis
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Epiphysis Pronunciation
eh-PIF-ih-sis
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
eh
PIF
stress here
ih
sis
4 syllables
What is Epiphysis?
The rounded end (or ends) of a long bone, separated from the shaft (diaphysis) by the growth plate (physis) during childhood. In adults, the epiphysis is fully fused to the shaft and forms the articular surface of joints.
Questions About Epiphysis
How do you pronounce 'epiphysis'?
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Epiphysis is pronounced eh-PIF-ih-sis. The stress falls on the second syllable, which rhymes with 'cliff.' Say it like you're saying 'eh' (like the letter 'A'), then 'PIF' (rhymes with 'if'), then 'ih-sis' (like 'uh-sis').
What is the most common mispronunciation of 'epiphysis'?
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Many people stress the first syllable and say 'EH-pih-fih-sis,' but that's incorrect. The correct stress is on the second syllable: eh-PIF-ih-sis. Remembering that 'PIF' gets the emphasis will help you say it right.
How do you break 'epiphysis' into syllables?
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Epiphysis breaks into four syllables: e-piph-y-sis. When you pronounce it, it sounds like eh-PIF-ih-sis, with the stress landing firmly on that second 'PIF' syllable.
What does the word 'epiphysis' mean in plain English?
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An epiphysis is the rounded end of a long bone—think of it as the knobby part at the top or bottom of a bone like your thighbone or upper arm bone. In kids, this rounded end is separate from the main shaft of the bone, but in adults they fuse together.
Where does the word 'epiphysis' come from?
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Epiphysis comes from Greek: 'epi' means 'upon' or 'above,' and 'physis' means 'growth.' Together, epiphysis literally means 'growth upon,' which makes sense because it's the part of the bone that grows during childhood.
What are related words that use the same Greek root 'physis'?
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Other medical words with 'physis' in them include diaphysis (the shaft or main part of a bone) and physeal (relating to the growth plate). All of these words use the Greek 'physis,' which means growth.
Can you use 'epiphysis' in a simple sentence?
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Here's an example: 'During childhood, the epiphysis of the bone is separated from the shaft by a growth plate that eventually hardens.' This sentence shows that epiphysis is a real part of bone anatomy that changes as we grow.
What is the plural of 'epiphysis'?
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The plural of epiphysis is epiphyses, pronounced eh-PIF-ih-seez. The ending changes from '-sis' to '-ses,' which is common in medical words borrowed from Greek.