STENOCEPHALOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Stenocephalous is an adjective that is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "steno," meaning narrow or close, and "cephalous," meaning head. In general, it refers to a characteristic or condition in an organism with a narrow or compressed head shape.
Within the realm of biology, specifically in zoology and anthropology, stenocephalous commonly describes a classification or characterization of certain animal species or ethnic groups. It pertains to organisms or populations that possess a disproportionately narrow or slender-shaped cranium in comparison to others within their taxonomic or cultural groupings.
The term stenocephalous can also be applied metaphorically to describe a person's physical appearance or facial features. It suggests that the individual has a relatively narrow or small head shape, often associated with a more elongated or slender facial structure.
Furthermore, stenocephalous can be utilized in the context of describing objects or structures that possess a compressed or narrow head-like shape. For instance, certain architectural elements, such as arches or specific building designs, may be referred to as stenocephalous if they exhibit a distinctive narrowing or close-set appearance resembling a head.
Overall, the term stenocephalous describes a characteristic head shape that is narrow, compressed, or slender, applicable to animals, humans, or inanimate objects when their appearance resembles such a form.
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Noting one with a narrow head, marked by stenocephaly.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STENOCEPHALOUS
Etymology of STENOCEPHALOUS
The word "stenocephalous" is derived from two Greek roots: "steno" meaning "narrow" or "few" and "cephalous" meaning "head".
In Greek, "steno" originally referred to something narrow or restricted, while "cephalous" referred to the head or skull. When combined into "stenocephalous", the word takes on the metaphorical meaning of describing someone or something with a narrow or small head, often used to denote a particular physical characteristic or cranial shape.
It is important to note that "stenocephalous" is not commonly used in contemporary English and is considered a technical or specialized term used in fields like anthropology or biology to describe specific cranial characteristics or classifications.
