DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
E·piph·y·sis n.; pl. Epiphyses Anat. (a) The end, or other superficial part, of a bone, which ossifies separately from the central portion, or diaphysis. (b) The cerebral epiphysis, or pineal gland. See Pineal gland, under Pineal.
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epiphysis
n 1: the end of a long bone; initially separated from the main
bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so
the parts become fused
2: a small endocrine gland in the brain; situated beneath the
back part of the corpus callosum; secretes melatonin [syn:
pineal gland, pineal body, epiphysis cerebri]
[also: epiphyses (pl)]