a. Biol. [f. L. ensi-s sword: see -FORM.] Sword-shaped. (Often said of leaves.) Ensiform cartilage, a cartilage appended to the sternum or breast-bone.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg. Belowe in the furcule is an addycyon cartylagynous called Ency forme.
1794. Martyn, Rousseau’s Bot., xiv. 154–5. Linnæus calls them Ensiform, or sword-shaped.
1816. Kirby & Sp., Entomol. (1828), II. xxiii. 324. Ensiform antennæ.
1845. Lindley, Sch. Bot., viii. (1858), 151. Leaves ensiform, with parallel veins.
1872. Mivart, Elem. Anat., 300. The diaphragm is attached to the ensiform cartilage and several ribs.
