1. plural of os; bones or bone-like structures
Usage: anatomy; technical
2. plural of os; openings or mouths (especially in anatomy, as in os coxae or os uteri)
Usage: anatomy; technical

Examples

• The ossa of the human skeleton provide structural support and protection for vital organs.
• In anatomy class, students learned that the ossa coxae form the pelvis.
• The surgeon examined the patient's ossa to assess the extent of the fracture.
• Radiographs revealed damage to several ossa in the foot.
• The ossa auditoria, or ear bones, are among the smallest bones in the human body.