Anat. [f. EPI- + STERNUM.] In mammals, the upper part of the sternum or breast-bone; in other animals, applied variously to certain structures adjoining the breast.
1855. Owen, Skel. & Teeth, 39. The long stem of the episternum covers the outer part of the groove, where it represents the keel of the sternum in birds.
1872. H. A. Nicholson, Palæont., 369. Clavicles were present, as well as an interclavicle (episternum).
