How to pronounce sternum
Say it like STUR-num. Sternum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sternum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- STUR
- num
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sternum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- numKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sternum
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: STUR-num.
What does sternum mean?
- The breastbone, consisting of the manubrium, gladiolus, and xiphoid process.
- The sclerotized ventral plate of spiders, between the coxae, marking the floor of the cephalothorax.
Where does sternum come from?
Borrowed from New Latin sternum, related to Old English steorn (“forehead”), German Stirn (“forehead”).
Questions about saying sternum
How do you pronounce sternum?
Say STUR-num. The American pronunciation is /ˈstɝnəm/. In British English it is /ˈstɜːnəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sternum?
Sternum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STUR). Broken into parts: STUR · num.
Is sternum pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈstɜːnəm/ (STUR-num).