What Is a Xiphoid Definition?

The xiphoid process is the smallest region of the sternum, or breastbone

breastbone
The sternum or breast bone is a long flat bone located in the central part of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from injury.
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. It's made up of cartilage at birth but develops into bone in adulthood. It's located where the lower ribs attach to the breastbone. The tip of the xiphoid process resembles a sword.

What's the meaning of xiphoid?

: the third and lowest segment of the human sternum.

Why is it called xiphoid?

Etymology. The word xiphoid derives from the Greek word xiphos for straight sword, the tip of which the process somewhat resembles. The xiphoid process is a translation of Latin processus xiphoides.

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.