SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

hypocleidium

noun
Save Word
hy·​po·​clei·​di·​um
plural hypocleidia\ -​ēə \

Definition of hypocleidium

: a median process on the wishbone of many birds often connected with the sternum by a ligament or ossified with it

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!

History and Etymology for hypocleidium

New Latin, from hypo- + Greek kleidion small key, diminutive ofkleid-, kleis key, hook, clavicle

Learn More About hypocleidium

Dictionary Entries Near hypocleidium

hypocleidian

hypocleidium

hypocoracoid

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for hypocleidium

Cite this Entry

“Hypocleidium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypocleidium. Accessed 14 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

shard

Listen to the pronunciation of shard

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

The Great British Vocabulary Quiz

  • union jack speech bubble
  • Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

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