epiphysis noun. [ɪ'pɪfɪsɪs, ɛ-] Pl. -physes [-fɪsi:z]. M17.
[mod. Latin from Greek epiphusis, formed as EPI- + phusis growth.]
1. A part of a bone, esp. an extremity of a long bone, which during growth is separated from the main part by cartilage that eventually ossifies. M17.
2. The pineal gland. More fully epiphysis cerebri ['sɛrɪbrʌɪ] [Latin cerebrum brain]. L19.

■ epiphyseal [ɛpɪ'fɪzɪǝl],

■ epiphysial adjectives M19.

■ epiphysitis [ɪ,pɪfɪ'sʌɪtɪs, ɛ-] noun (Medicine) inflammation of an epiphysis or of the cartilage separating it from the main part of the bone L19.

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