Leptoprosopic is a word used in anthropology to describe a facial feature of some individuals with a narrow and long face. It is pronounced as /lɛp.tə.pɹɑ.sɑp.ɪk/ with emphasis on the second syllable. The spelling is derived from three Greek words, lepto meaning "thin", proso meaning "front", and opsis meaning "appearance". The pronunciation reflects the Greek origin, with each syllable pronounced clearly. Though not a commonly used word, it is an important technical term in anthropology and medicine.
Leptoprosopic is an adjective that refers to a specific facial characteristic. It describes someone or something that possesses a narrow, long, and rather slender facial structure. The word is derived from the Greek words "lepto," which means thin or slender, and "prosopon," which means face.
When applied to human features, a person with a leptoprosopic face typically has a narrow forehead, a long and straight nose, and a well-defined chin. The facial outline of leptoprosopic individuals is often angular and elongated, giving them a longer and more slender appearance compared to individuals with different facial structures.
The term "leptoprosopic" can also be used to describe specific skeletal features in anthropology, particularly when studying human remains. In archaeology and forensic anthropology, it helps to categorize and define specific craniofacial characteristics of different populations.
It is worth noting that the categorization of facial structures, including the distinction between leptoprosopic and other types such as mesoprosopic (of intermediate breadth), is dependent on the relative proportions of different facial features. These proportions may vary across ethnicities, regions, and individuals, and therefore the use of the term "leptoprosopic" should be specific to the context and population being discussed.
Having a thin narrow face.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "leptoprosopic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "lepto-" and "prosopon".
The Greek root "lepto-" (λεπτός) means "thin" or "slim". It can also refer to something delicate or fine. This root is often used in various scientific and medical terminology related to thinness or slenderness.
The Greek root "prosopon" (πρόσωπον) means "face" or "countenance". It is commonly used in words related to facial features, as in "prosopography" (study of facial features) or "prosopalgia" (facial pain).
By combining these two roots, "leptoprosopic" is coined to describe someone with a slim or thin face.