(sĭm′fĭ-sĭs)
pl. symphyses [Gr., growing together]

1. A line of fusion between two bones that are separate in early development, as symphysis of the mandible.
2. A joint in which two bones are connected only by a fibrocartilaginous pad, as the pubic symphysis and the intervertebral disks.
SEE: cartilaginous joint