noun
sternum
STUR-num/ˈstɜːrnəm/
The flat bone at the center front of the chest.
The sternum forms the central front bone of the rib cage.
Etymology
Greek sternon named the chest and breastbone. It is probably related to a verb meaning “spread out,” suggesting the chest's broad, flat shape, though the exact development of meaning remains uncertain.
In context
all those chest compressions as you are pressing the chest uh to be able to resuscitate a person you are pressing the sternum
More examples
- Several ribs connect to the sternum through cartilage.
- The seat belt leaves a bruise over his sternum.
- She points to the sternum in the anatomy diagram.
Forms
sternum · sternums · sterna
sternal adjective — Relating to or near the breastbone.
Similar words
- breastbone
- Breastbone is the everyday term for the same bone.