endochondral

adjective

en·​do·​chon·​dral ˌen-də-ˈkän-drəl How to pronounce endochondral (audio)
: relating to, formed by, or being ossification that takes place from centers arising in cartilage and involves deposition of lime salts in the cartilage matrix followed by secondary absorption and replacement by true bony tissue

Examples of endochondral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The endochondral bone expanded, and the fin rays shrank back, creating a new structure known as a lobe fin. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endochondral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endochondral was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near endochondral

Cite this Entry

“Endochondral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endochondral. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

endochondral

adjective
en·​do·​chon·​dral ˌen-də-ˈkän-drəl How to pronounce endochondral (audio)
: relating to, formed by, or being ossification that takes place from centers arising in cartilage and involves deposition of lime salts in the cartilage matrix followed by secondary absorption and replacement by true bony tissue compare intramembranous sense 1, perichondral
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