Pronunciation: [mˌɛɡəsɪfˈalɪk] (IPA) 
The word "Megacephalic" refers to having an abnormally large head. It is spelled /mɛɡəˈsɛfəlɪk/. The first syllable "mega" is pronounced as "mɛɡə" with a short e sound, while the second syllable "cephalic" is pronounced as "sɛfəlɪk" with a soft c sound. The spelling of "megacephalic" follows the typical word formation practice of combining a prefix "mega-" meaning "large" with the root word "cephalic" meaning "head".
Megacephalic is an adjective used to describe something or someone with an abnormally large or oversized head, typically in relation to the rest of the body. The term "mega-" derives from the Greek word "megas," meaning large or great, while "cephalic" stems from the Greek word "kephalē," meaning head.
When referring to a living being, such as a human or an animal, being megacephalic implies that the size of their head is significantly larger than what is considered normal or proportionate for their species. This condition may be present at birth or can develop over time due to a variety of factors, including genetic abnormalities, developmental disorders, or certain medical conditions.
Megacephaly can vary in severity and can often be accompanied by other symptoms or characteristics, such as delayed development, intellectual disabilities, or distinctive facial features. In some cases, megacephaly may be benign and not cause any significant health issues, while in others, it may be associated with underlying neurological or skeletal problems.
The term "megacephalic" can also be applied metaphorically to describe inanimate objects or concepts that are disproportionately large or grand in comparison to their counterparts. In this context, it denotes an exaggerated size or scale that is often used to emphasize the magnitude or importance of something.
Having a large head. Noting a skull with a capacity of over 1450 c.c., or an individual having such a skull. Among the megacephalic races are Europeans, Japanese, and Eskimo.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Megacephalic" comes from the combination of two Greek elements, "mega-" meaning "large" or "great", and "kephalē" meaning "head". Therefore, "Megacephalic" literally translates to "having a large head".
