mediastinum

noun me·di·as·ti·num \ ˌmē-dē-ə-ˈstī-nəm \

Definition of mediastinum

plural mediastina play \-nə\

: the space in the chest between the pleural sacs of the lungs that contains all the tissues and organs of the chest except the lungs and pleurae; also : this space with its contents

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mediastinal

play \-ˈstī-nᵊl\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of mediastinum

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, neuter of mediastinus medial, from Latin medius

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

mediastinum

noun me·di·as·ti·num \ ˌmēd-ē-ə-ˈstī-nəm \

medical Definition of mediastinum

plural mediastina play \-nə\

1 : the space in the chest between the pleural sacs of the lungs that contains all the viscera of the chest except the lungs and pleurae; also : this space with its contents

2 : mediastinum testis