How Do You Spell OCCIPUT?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒksɪpˌʊt] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "occiput" can be tricky as it may not follow the typical English spelling patterns. It derives from the Latin word "occiput" meaning "the back of the head". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ɒkˈsɪpət/. The first syllable, "oc", is pronounced like "ock", followed by the short "i" sound in "sit". The second syllable, "ci", is pronounced as "sip" and the final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, like the "u" in "but".

OCCIPUT Meaning and Definition

1. The term "occiput" refers to the back part of the skull or the posterior region of the head. It is the area that covers the occipital bone, which is located at the base of the skull. The occiput can be visualized as the rounded back portion that extends from the base of the skull to the back of the neck.

   The occiput serves several essential functions. Firstly, it provides protection to the brain by forming a secure barrier at the rear of the skull. Secondly, it serves as an attachment point for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons that play a crucial role in maintaining stability and allowing movement. Additionally, the occiput has a small prominence known as the external occipital protuberance, which serves as a point of attachment for the nuchal ligament, a stabilizing structure for the head and neck.

   The occiput is also significant in medical contexts, particularly in the assessment of newborn infants. The shape and size of the occiput can provide valuable information about the position and development of the fetus during childbirth. Abnormalities in the occiput can sometimes lead to complications in the delivery process, requiring medical intervention.

   In summary, the occiput refers to the posterior part of the skull that provides protection to the brain, serves as an attachment point for various structures, and is important in assessing the position and development of infants during childbirth.

2. The back of the head.

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

3. The hinder part of the head or skull.

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

Common Misspellings for OCCIPUT

• icciput
• kcciput
• lcciput
• pcciput
• 0cciput
• 9cciput
• oxciput
• ovciput
• ofciput
• odciput
• ocxiput
• ocviput
• ocfiput
• ocdiput
• occuput
• occjput
• occkput
• occoput
• occ9put

Etymology of OCCIPUT

The word "occiput" comes from the Latin term "occiput", which means "back of the head" or "skull". It is a combination of two Latin words: "ob" meaning "against" or "toward" and "caput" meaning "head". The term was coined in Latin due to the location of the occipital bone at the posterior part of the skull.

Similar spelling word for OCCIPUT

• occipital.