n. pl. e·piph·y·ses (-sēz′) 1. The end of a long bone that is originally separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage but later becomes united to the main bone through ossification. 2. See pineal gland. [Greek epiphusis, an excrescence : epi-, epi- + phusis, growth; see bheuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ep′i·physi·al (ĕp′ə-fĭzē-əl), ep′i·physe·al adj. |
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