breastbone crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! If you're stuck on "breastbone crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, detailed explanations, and expert tips to help you complete your puzzle and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "breastbone crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
STERNUM: The flat, dagger-shaped bone located in the center of the chest, connecting to the ribs via cartilage and forming the front of the rib cage. It protects the heart and lungs.
XIPHOID: The small, cartilaginous process that forms the lowermost part of the sternum. It usually ossifies in adulthood and serves as an attachment point for various muscles.
9 Letters
MANUBRIUM: The broad, upper part of the sternum, which articulates with the clavicles (collarbones) and the cartilages of the first two pairs of ribs. It's the handle-like top section.
GLADIOLUS: An older anatomical term for the body of the sternum itself, specifically the middle and largest part of the bone, as distinct from the manubrium and xiphoid process. It also refers to a type of flower.
More About "breastbone crossword clue"
The breastbone, medically known as the sternum, is a crucial flat bone positioned in the central part of the chest. It plays a vital role in protecting the heart and lungs, forming the front attachment point for most ribs. In crosswords, clues relating to the breastbone often test your anatomical knowledge, but sometimes they delve into more specific parts or even historical terminology.
Crossword setters might use synonyms, anatomical subdivisions, or even homophones to make the clue more challenging. For instance, while STERNUM is the most direct answer, knowing about the MANUBRIUM (the upper part) or the XIPHOID process (the lower tip) can be crucial for specific puzzles, especially when a certain letter count is required. Awareness of terms like GLADIOLUS, an older term for the main body of the sternum, showcases the depth some crosswords can reach.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Anatomical Subdivisions: If "breastbone" doesn't fit with STERNUM, think about its specific parts like MANUBRIUM (upper) or XIPHOID (lower). These often appear in crosswords with specific letter counts.
- Look for Archaic Terms: Crossword setters love obscure or older terms. For "breastbone," an historical anatomical term like GLADIOLUS might be the answer, even if less common today.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most effective way to narrow down possibilities when multiple answers for a clue exist.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common crossword answer for 'breastbone'?
The most common and direct crossword answer for 'breastbone' is STERNUM, which is a seven-letter word.
Can 'breastbone' have answers with different letter counts?
Yes, 'breastbone' can have answers with varying letter counts. Depending on the specific context or a more detailed anatomical reference, answers like XIPHOID (7 letters), MANUBRIUM (9 letters), or even GLADIOLUS (9 letters, an older term for the body of the sternum) might be valid.
Why might a crossword clue for 'breastbone' be tricky?
A 'breastbone' clue can be tricky if it refers to a specific part of the sternum (like the manubrium or xiphoid process) rather than the whole bone, or if it uses an archaic anatomical term like 'gladiolus.' The challenge often lies in identifying the precise anatomical nuance or a less common synonym the setter intends.