How Do You Spell ACROCEPHALIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌakɹə͡ʊsfˈalɪk] (IPA)

Acrocephalic is a medical term used to describe a person with an abnormally shaped head. The word is pronounced [ˌækrəʊsɪˈfælɪk], with the stress on the third syllable. The first part of the word, "acro," comes from the Greek word for "tip" or "extremity," referring to the top or front of the head. The second part, "cephalic," refers to the head. The spelling of this word is unique and difficult to guess based on its pronunciation, making it important to memorize for medical professionals and students.

ACROCEPHALIC Meaning and Definition

1. Acrocephalic refers to a medical term used to describe a congenital condition called acrocephaly, wherein an individual presents with an abnormal shape or structure of the head. This condition is characterized by a disproportionately elongated skull and an abnormally high forehead. The word acrocephalic is derived from the Greek words "acro," meaning extreme or elevated, and "cephalic," meaning head.

   The primary cause of acrocephaly is premature fusion or closure of the cranial sutures, which are fibrous joints that connect skull bones. This premature fusion restricts the growth of the skull, resulting in its abnormal shape. Acrocephaly can be associated with various genetic disorders or syndromes, such as Apert syndrome or Pfeiffer syndrome. It is usually diagnosed at birth or during early childhood through physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans.

   Individuals with an acrocephalic head shape may display other associated physical features like prominent eyes, underdeveloped mid-face, and dental abnormalities. Depending on the severity of the condition, some individuals may experience complications such as increased intracranial pressure or developmental delays.

   Treatment for acrocephaly typically involves surgery to correct the cranial abnormalities and allow normal brain growth. The surgeries aim to release the fused sutures and reshape the skull to a more typical form. Additionally, specialized medical care and therapies may be required to address any associated conditions or developmental delays.

   In conclusion, acrocephalic refers to the abnormal structure of the head characterized by an elongated skull and an elevated forehead caused by premature fusion of cranial sutures.

2. Having a high or peaked head. Noting a skull with a vertical index above 77. Similar to hypsicephalic (q.v.).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. High-headed, or pyramidal-headed-applied to the high-skulled tribes of the human family.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ACROCEPHALIC

• zcrocephalic
• scrocephalic
• wcrocephalic
• qcrocephalic
• axrocephalic
• avrocephalic
• afrocephalic
• adrocephalic
• aceocephalic
• acdocephalic
• acfocephalic
• actocephalic
• ac5ocephalic
• ac4ocephalic
• acricephalic
• acrkcephalic
• acrlcephalic
• acrpcephalic
• acr0cephalic

Etymology of ACROCEPHALIC

The word "acrocephalic" is derived from two Greek roots: "acro-" meaning "top" or "tip", and "cephalic" meaning "related to the head".

The term "acro-" comes from the Greek word "akros", which means "highest" or "extreme". It is often used to indicate something at the furthest point or the topmost part.

"Cephalic" is derived from the Greek word "kephalē", which means "head". It is used to describe anything relating to or associated with the head. This root is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate conditions, features, or characteristics of the head or cranium.

By combining these two roots, "acrocephalic" is formed, which refers to a condition or characteristic of having an abnormally shaped or disproportionately large head.

Plural form of ACROCEPHALIC is ACROCEPHALICS