breastbone Hear it!

breastbone Definition

breast·bone (-bōn′)

noun

sternum

breastbone Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • cut: When you have your surgery, it is necessary for the surgeon to cut the breastbone ( sternum ) to get to the heart.

Adjective modifier

  • prominent: A muscular body should have a level back and a deep broad chest with a prominent breastbone.
breastbone Quotes

You must take off your clothes for the doctor And stand as straight as a pin, His hand of stone on your white breastbone Where the bullets all go in.

—Causley, Charles