xiphoid (zifoid)

and n. [ The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia: The Century dictionary xiphoid Yarrell designated the "occipital style" of Shufeldt as the xiphoid bone. Science, III. 404. Xiphoid ligament, a small ligament connecting the ensiform cartilage or xiphisternum with the cartilage of the seventh rib on either side. - Xiphoid proce . (a) In an at., the ensiform appendage of the sternum; the xiphisternum. See cuts under me so sternum and sternum. (b) The telson of a crustacean, as the king-crab. See cut under horseshoe-crab. II. n. The ensiform or xiphoid cartilage in man, or its representative in other animals. See xiphisternum , 1.