‖ metaphrenon, -phrenum
(mɛˈtæfrɪnɒn, -frɪnəm)
Also 7 anglicized metaphren(e.
[Late L., a. Gr. µετάϕρενον, f. µετά after + ϕρήν midriff.]
The part of the back that is behind the diaphragm.
| 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. i. v. iii. i. (1651) 401 The metaphrene, or part of the back which is over against the heart. 1661 Lovell Hist. Anim. & Min. 90 Brest strong, metaphren broad. 1693 tr. Blancard's Phys. Dict. (ed. 2), Metaphrenum. 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Metaphrenum, that part of the Back which comes after the Diaphragm, or Midriff. 1856 Mayne Expos. Lex., Metaphrenon, Metaphrenum. |