the "dictionary meaning" SYLLABICATION: apophysis PRONUNCIATION: -pf-ss NOUN: Inflected forms: pl. apophyses (-sz) 1. Anatomy A natural swelling, projection, or outgrowth of an organ or part, such as the process of a vertebra. 2. Geology A branch from a dike or vein. ETYMOLOGY: New Latin, from Greek apophusis, from apophuein, to send out branches : apo-, apo- + phuein, to grow; see bheu- in Appendix I. OTHER FORMS: apophysate (-st) , apophyseal (-sl) ADJECTIVE as for the fractal meaning, if you have UF, or UltraFractal go to the website and check out this page (use link..http://www.fractalus.com/cheshirecat/gall35.htm), it seems to be an additional add-in for UF I had to download it, makes some nice and interesting forms. but basically it seems to be the "out growth" edges of the fractal or its branches. Apart from that I could not tell more, I am new at this also, and hope this helps. Xeno