Breastbone
/ˈbrɛstˌboʊn/noun
The flat bone located at the front of the chest, also known as the sternum.
Did you know?In medieval times, the sternum was believed to be the seat of courage, with warriors often invoking it in battle rituals for protection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“to carry, to bear”
Old English
Old English
brēost
“breast, the front of the body”
Old English
Old English
bōn
“bone, the hard structure of the skeleton”
Middle English
Middle English
brestbon
“the bone of the breast, protective structure of the chest”
Modern English
English
breastbone
“the bone situated in the center of the chest, connecting ribs and protecting vital organs”