epiphysis

[/ɪˈpɪfɪsɪs/]
nounfemininepl: epiphyses
epífise
1. The end of a long bone in vertebrates, initially separated from the main bone shaft by cartilage but later fused to it as the organism matures
The epiphysis at the end of the femur is where growth occurs in adolescents.
A epífise na extremidade do fêmur é onde ocorre o crescimento em adolescentes.
2. In anatomy, any bony end of a long bone that is initially cartilaginous and later ossifies and fuses with the main shaft
Radiologists examined the epiphysis to determine if the patient had reached skeletal maturity.
Os radiologistas examinaram a epífise para determinar se o paciente havia atingido a maturidade esquelética.
3. The pineal gland (in older philosophical or esoteric contexts)
Ancient texts sometimes referred to the epiphysis as the seat of the soul.
Textos antigos às vezes se referiam à epífise como a sede da alma.
Epiphysis is a specialized anatomical and medical term used primarily in healthcare, orthopedic, and educational contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It is particularly relevant in discussions of childhood and adolescent growth, bone development, and sports medicine. The term is identical in Portuguese (epífise) and is used in the same clinical and academic contexts across all Portuguese-speaking regions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
epiphyseal bonegrowth plateepiphyseal plate
Antonyms / Antônimos
diaphysismetaphysis

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
epífise
Standard medical term used in anatomy and orthopedic contexts
Portugal
epífise
Same usage as Brazil; standard medical terminology
Medical Spanish (comparative)
epífisis
For reference; similar term used in Spanish-speaking countries

Related Words

epiphysealdiaphysismetaphysisossificationskeletal maturitygrowth plate cartilage

Related Idioms & Phrases

epiphyseal plate closure
fusion of epiphyses
epiphyseal separation
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