ə̇ˈpifəsə̇s noun
( plural epiphy·ses -əˌsēz)
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, from epiphyesthai to grow on (from epi- + phyesthai to grow, passive of phyein to bring forth) + -sis — more at be
1. : a part or process of a bone that ossifies separately and later becomes ankylosed to the main part of the bone ; especially : one of the ends of the long bones of the limbs in higher vertebrates — distinguished from diaphysis
2. : pineal body
3. : a movable process of the tibia of certain lepidopterous insects