1
: of or relating to the diaphragm
2
: of or relating to the mind
Examples of phrenic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Early statements made by the occupational therapist to police led to speculation that Hogan’s death was related to damage done to his phrenic nerve during a recent surgery.
—
David Fischer, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
The neural circuitry involved in a hiccup episode includes the vagus nerve, the phrenic nerve, the medulla oblongata and the hypothalamic reticular formation.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026
After Thursday's operation, doctors will assess whether Bolsonaro can undergo an additional procedure: blockage of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, for recurrent hiccups, Birolini said.
—CBS News, 25 Dec. 2025
One of these neurotransmitters, called dopamine, plays a role in regulating the phrenic nerve, which controls breathing in the diaphragm.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
The left and right phrenic nerves control movement of the left and right side of the diaphragm, respectively.10
During inhalation, the phrenic nerve signals the diaphragm to contract, allowing the lungs to expand and gather in air.
—Soma Mandal, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025
This inflammation can irritate the phrenic nerve that runs from the neck down to the diaphragm, resulting in intensely sharp pain in the right shoulder blade.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 31 Dec. 2024
There are few concrete medical cures for the hiccups, but experts know that stopping them ideally involves the diaphragm, the vagus nerve and the phrenic nerve.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Mar. 2022
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David Fischer, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
The neural circuitry involved in a hiccup episode includes the vagus nerve, the phrenic nerve, the medulla oblongata and the hypothalamic reticular formation.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026
After Thursday's operation, doctors will assess whether Bolsonaro can undergo an additional procedure: blockage of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, for recurrent hiccups, Birolini said.
—CBS News, 25 Dec. 2025
One of these neurotransmitters, called dopamine, plays a role in regulating the phrenic nerve, which controls breathing in the diaphragm.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
The left and right phrenic nerves control movement of the left and right side of the diaphragm, respectively.10
During inhalation, the phrenic nerve signals the diaphragm to contract, allowing the lungs to expand and gather in air.
—Soma Mandal, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025
This inflammation can irritate the phrenic nerve that runs from the neck down to the diaphragm, resulting in intensely sharp pain in the right shoulder blade.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 31 Dec. 2024
There are few concrete medical cures for the hiccups, but experts know that stopping them ideally involves the diaphragm, the vagus nerve and the phrenic nerve.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Mar. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Phrenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrenic. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phrenic
1 of 2 adjective
phren·ic
ˈfren-ik 
: of or relating to the diaphragm
phrenic
2 of 2 nounLove words? Need even more definitions?
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