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phrenic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈfrɛnɪk/

KK: /ˈfrɛnɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the diaphragm, which is a muscle that helps with breathing, or sometimes referring to the mind.


Example

The phrenic nerve plays a crucial role in controlling the diaphragm during breathing.


Conversation
Sloth A
I just learned about the phrenic nerve in my biology class.
Sloth B
Oh really? What does it do?
Sloth A
It controls the diaphragm, which is pretty important for breathing.
Sloth B
That sounds fascinating! I never knew it was called the phrenic nerve.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
diaphragmatic
mental
cognitive
Antonyms
unrelated
physical
bodily
Root Explanation

Phrenic → It is derived from the Greek word "phren" (meaning mind or diaphragm). The term refers to something related to the diaphragm, which is associated with breathing and, metaphorically, with the mind.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for mind ('phren') to remember that 'phrenic' relates to the diaphragm and its connection to breathing and mental processes.

Visually Confused Words
phenic
sphenic
pyrenic
subphrenic
pretonic
prepanic
prentice
phoronic
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