Correct spelling for the English word "metriocephalic" is [mˌɛtɹɪə͡ʊsfˈalɪk], [mˌɛtɹɪəʊsfˈalɪk], [m_ˌɛ_t_ɹ_ɪ__əʊ_s_f_ˈa_l_ɪ_k] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Metriocephalic is an adjective derived from the combination of the Greek roots "metrios," meaning moderate or average, and "kephalē," meaning head. Primarily used in anthropology and biology, metriocephalic refers to an individual or species having a head shape or cranial index within the average or moderate range observed within a given population or anthropological grouping.
The term metriocephalic is often utilized to describe cranial metrics and proportions, including width, length, and breadth, as well as the overall shape of the skull. This concept allows for the comparison of an individual's cranial features to the average observed among a reference population.
A metriocephalic individual or species typically possesses cranial measurements and proportions that fall within the central tendency of a distribution curve. This means that the head size and shape are not considered extreme or atypical but rather representative of the typical values for that specific population.
Moreover, metriocephalic can be utilized in the context of both human and non-human studies, providing a valuable framework for understanding variations in skull morphology and head shape across different populations, subspecies, or even different eras.
Overall, metriocephalic serves as a descriptive term that characterizes individuals or species with cranial measurements and proportions falling within the average range, highlighting the significance of population-specific head shape and size norms within anthropological and biological contexts.
Having a well proportioned head as regards height. Noting a skull with an index between 72 and 77. Similar to orthocephalic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "metriocephalic" is formed from the combination of two Greek roots: "metrios" meaning "moderate" and "kephale" meaning "head". In Greek, "metrios" originates from the word "metron" meaning "measure" or "moderate", while "kephale" refers to the anatomical term "head". Therefore, "metriocephalic" comes from the Greek roots to describe something related to a moderate or average-sized head.