noun
cranium
KRAY-nee-uhm/ˈkreɪniəm/
The skull, especially the part enclosing the brain.
The cranium forms a hard, protective case around the brain.
Etymology
Greek kranion meant “skull” or “upper part of the head.” The precise anatomical sense narrows this to the brain’s protective bony case, rather than the whole head.
In context
… the Harbon cranium has been a subject of intense study. It is huge, larger than any modern human skull with thick brow ridges, a wide face, and square eye sockets.
More examples
- The scan reveals a small fracture in her cranium.
- Several bones join together to form the cranium.
- The students compare the crania of different mammals.
Forms
cranium · crania · craniums
cranial adjective — Relating to the skull or cranium.
Similar words
- skull
- The everyday term, often including the facial bones and jaw.
- braincase
- Specifically names the bony enclosure surrounding the brain.