Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

anapophysis

noun
ana·​poph·​y·​sis | \ˌanəˈpäfəsə̇s\
plural anapophyses\ -​əˌsēz \

Definition of anapophysis 

: a small process arising at the dorsal side of the base of the transverse process of the lumbar vertebrae in humans and many other mammals

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of anapophysis

1851, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for anapophysis

New Latin, from ana- + apophysis

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about anapophysis

Share anapophysis

Statistics for anapophysis

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for anapophysis

The first known use of anapophysis was in 1851

See more words from the same year

Comments on anapophysis

What made you want to look up anapophysis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

exculpate

to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

  • the-education-of-achilles-eugne-delacroix
  • Which is a synonym of discomfit?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games