sternum

noun/ˈstɜrnəm/

Frequency rank: #16,354 most common English word

Meaning

The long flat bone running down the center of the chest, connecting the ribs.

Illustration for the English word “sternum”

Example sentence

The doctor pressed gently on his sternum to check for any tenderness after the fall.

Synonyms & related words

  • breastbone
  • chestbone

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