Ramus

/ˈreɪ.məs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A branch or any of the parts that extend from the main body of a structure, particularly in anatomy.
The ramus of the mandible is a crucial area for the attachment of muscles involved in chewing.
In botany, a term used to refer to a branch of a plant or tree.
The ramus of the tree extended gracefully, providing shade to the area underneath.
A term used in linguistics to denote any branch of a language family.
The Latin language has several ramus in the Romance language family, including Spanish and Italian.
In zoology, it refers to a branch of a nerve or blood vessel.
The ramus communicans is an important structure involved in the autonomic nervous system.

Etymology

From Latin 'ramus' meaning 'branch'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

ramus of the mandible
The branch of the lower jawbone.
inferior ramus
The lower branch of a structure, often in reference to anatomy.

Related Words

ramification
The process of branching out or subdividing.
branch
A part of a tree that grows out from the trunk.

Slang Meanings

Used in informal contexts to refer to a division in a discussion or argument.
We hit a ramus in our conversation about the project.