1. the breastbone; a flat bone in the center of the chest to which the ribs are attached
Usage: anatomy
2. a genus of seabirds commonly known as terns
Usage: biology; ornithology

Examples

• The doctor examined the patient’s sterna for any signs of injury.
• A fractured sterna can be extremely painful and requires immediate medical attention.
• The sterna protects vital organs in the chest cavity.
• Birds in the genus Sterna are known for their graceful flight patterns.
• The Arctic tern belongs to the Sterna genus.
• Researchers studied the migration patterns of various Sterna species.