| physis |
the area of growth at each end of the long bones of children and adolescents, also known as the epiphyseal plate or growth plate. |
| physostigmine |
a clear or pink crystalline substance obtained from the Calabar bean and used in various medicines, as for constricting the pupils in glaucoma. |
| -phyte |
a plant having the characteristic or growth habit specified. [2 definitions] |
| phyto- |
plant. |
| phytochemistry |
the branch of chemistry that deals with plants and the substances they produce. |
| phytogenic |
having developed or originated from plants, as coal. |
| phytoplankton |
tiny plant particles floating in bodies of water; algae. (Cf. zooplankton.) |
| P.I. |
abbreviation of "private investigator." |
| pi |
the name of the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. [2 definitions] |
| piacular |
making amends; atoning. [2 definitions] |
| pia mater |
the innermost of three vascular membranes that envelop the brain and the spinal cord. (See arachnoid, dura mater.) |
| pianism |
the technique or performance of a pianist. |
| pianissimo |
in music, very soft. [3 definitions] |
| pianist |
one who plays the piano, esp. one who earns a living by doing so. |
| piano1 |
a large keyboard instrument with wire strings that are struck by small hammers attached to the ends of the keys. |
| piano2 |
in music, soft; quiet. [3 definitions] |
| pianoforte |
see "piano1." [2 definitions] |
| piaster |
the smaller monetary unit of Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, and Syria. (Cf. pound.) [2 definitions] |
| piazza |
a public square, usu. the main or only square, esp. in an Italian town or city. [2 definitions] |
| pibroch |
a composition for the bagpipe that consists of a dirgelike or martial theme with variations. |
| pica1 |
a printing type measuring about one sixth of an inch, or an equivalent linear measurement used to determine the dimensions of printed lines, illustrations, or the like. [2 definitions] |