# sternum

/stˈɜːnəm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sternum
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the flat, long bone in the middle of your chest that connects your ribs. It is also called the breastbone.

For teachers: the flat, elongated bone in the anterior midline of the thorax, to which the ribs are attached by cartilage. It consists of three fused parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the sternum for any signs of injury.
- During the physical exam, the nurse asked the patient to take a deep breath to check the sternum and ribs.
- The sternum serves as a central anchor point for the pectoral muscles and provides structural integrity to the rib cage, protecting the heart and major blood vessels from external impact.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.