1. the end of a long bone that is originally separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage but later becomes united to the main bone through ossification.
2. see pineal gland.

1. the pineal gland.
2. the rounded end of any long bone.

1. the end, or other superficial part, of a bone, which ossifies separately from the central portion, or
2. the cerebral epiphysis, or pineal gland. see pineal gland, under pineal.

1. in anatomy: A part or process of bone which has its own center of ossification separate from the main center of the shaft or body of the bone, and which therefore only gradually joins the rest of the bone by the progress of ossification: so called because it grows upon the body of the bone.
2. some part or organ that grows upon or to another.
3. A small superior piece of each half of an alveolus of a sea-urchin, united below to its own half of the alveolus, joined to its fellow of the other half of the same alveolus, and connected by the rotula with the epiphysis of another alveolus. see lantern of aristotle, under lantern.

1. a small endocrine gland in the brain; situated beneath the back part of the corpus callosum; secretes melatonin
2. the end of a long bone; initially separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so the parts become fused