prezygapophysis
/ˌpriːzʌɪɡəˈpɒfɪsɪs/Zoology and Anatomy
noun
Either of the two (left and right) anterior or superior articular processes of the neural arch of a vertebra, which articulate with the postzygapophyses of the previous vertebra. Also: either of two anterior articular processes on the haemal arch of certain fishes.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Richard Owen (1804–1892), comparative anatomist and palaeontologist. From pre- + zygapophysis.