n.; pl. L. Sterna E. Sternums [ NL., from Gr. &unr_;, the breast, chest. ] 1. (Anat.) A plate of cartilage, or a series of bony or cartilaginous plates or segments, in the median line of the pectoral skeleton of most vertebrates above fishes; the breastbone. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The sternum is connected with the ribs or the pectorial girdle, or with both. In man it is a flat bone, broad anteriorly, narrowed behind, and connected with the clavicles and the cartilages of the seven anterior pairs of ribs. In most birds it has a high median keel for the attachment of the muscles of the wings. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) The ventral part of any one of the somites of an arthropod. [ 1913 Webster ]