symphysis

noun

sym·​phy·​sis ˈsim(p)-fə-səs 

plural symphyses ˈsim(p)-fə-ˌsēz 

1

: an immovable or more or less movable articulation of various bones in the median plane of the body

2

: an articulation in which the bony surfaces are connected by pads of fibrous cartilage without a synovial membrane

Examples of symphysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The key evidence for the embryo’s identity lies in its incomplete mandibular symphysis, or unfused lower jaw. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026

He’s stayed by her side throughout her treatment for aggressive endometriosis, which has now taken over her pelvis and implanted in her pubic symphysis. — Laura Bradley, Vulture, 2 May 2025

During pregnancy, the tissue making up the symphysis loosens up, giving the baby’s head a fighting chance of making it through mom’s pelvis. — Peter Ubel, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Then, at 11 weeks, a debilitating pregnancy condition called symphysis pubis dysfunction derailed me. — Women's Health, 31 July 2023

This injury meant that Listenbee was experiencing serious inflammation in the pubic symphysis (which refers to the cartilage uniting the two pubic bones) and surrounding muscles. — Michael McCann, SI.com, 1 Feb. 2018

The proportional length of the mandibular symphysis correlates consistently with rostral shape, forming as much as 50% of the mandible’s length in longirostrine forms, but 10% in brevirostrine crocodilians. — Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2013

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, state of growing together, from symphyesthai to grow together, from syn- + phyein to make grow, bring forth — more at be

First Known Use

circa 1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for symphysis

• abscissas
• narcissus
• adenohypophysis
• apophysis
• diaphysis
• dionysus
• epiphysis
• hemolysis
• hypophysis
• metaphysis
• electrophoresis
• neurohypophysis

Medical Definition

symphysis

noun

sym·​phy·​sis ˈsim(p)-fə-səs 

plural symphyses -ˌsēz 

1

: an immovable or more or less movable articulation of various bones in the median plane of the body see pubic symphysis

2

: an articulation (as between the bodies of vertebrae) in which the bony surfaces are connected by pads of fibrous cartilage without a synovial membrane