σύμφυσις

English (LSJ)

εως, ἡ, (συμφύω)

   A growing together, natural junction, esp. of the bones, Hp.Fract.37, cf. Art.34; opp. ἁφή, as being not mere contact, but continuity of substance, Arist.Metaph.1014b22, cf. 1069a12, Ph.227a23; σ. ὀστῶν Id.HA518b8; so of bones united, κατὰ σύμφυσιν, opp. articulation (κατ' ἄρθρον), Gal.2.734, PLit.Lond.167.19 (ii/iii A.D.); of attachment of muscles to bones, Gal.2.445,484; ἡ σ. τοῦ δέρματος καὶ τῆς σαρκός Pl.Ti.77d, cf. Arist.HA547a16, PA 693b25; ἡ πρὸς τὴν μήτραν σ. [τοῦ Χορίου] Sor.1.73; closing or healing up of an injured tree, Thphr.HP9.2.6; ἡ σ. καὶ ἡ τάξις structure and arrangement of a physical body, Id.Sens.79, cf. Lap.11; ἔντερον συμφύσεις ἔχον, of intestines divided into chambers by constriction, Arist.HA507b35; ἡ σ. τοῦ πνεύμονος κατὰ ῥάχιν Aret.SD1.9; of the tongue, ib.7.    2 metaph. of the mystic's union with the Supreme Being, Porph.Abst.1.29.