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Definition of: apophysis
(ə·pof′ə·sis) noun plural ·ses (-sēz)
1. Anat. A bony protuberance, as of a vertebra.
2. Zool. In arthropods, any hardened process of the body wall.
3. Geol. A branching offshoot from an intrusion of igneous rock. [ <NL <Gk. apophysis branch, offshoot < apo- from + phyein grow]
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