Meaning & Definition of word "Ramus"

Ramus

/ˈreɪ.məs/

noun:

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

Meaning: Used in informal contexts to refer to a division in a discussion or argument.

Example Sentence: We hit a ramus in our conversation about the project.