TAPINOCEPHALIC Meaning and
Definition
-
Tapinocephalic is an adjective that refers to a particular physical characteristic associated with the shape of the human skull. The term comes from the fusion of two Greek words, "tapinos" meaning "foolish" or "stupid," and "kephalē" meaning "head," presenting an overall meaning as "foolish-headed" or "stupid-headed."
In terms of its anatomical definition, tapinocephalic relates to a specific skull shape characterized by a short and broad cranium, and a relatively small facial region compared to the overall size of the skull. This trait is often observed in certain indigenous populations or ethnic groups, and it can be identified through various diagnostic measurements and ratios, such as cranial index or cephalic index.
The tapinocephalic skull shape is classified within the broader typological framework that categorizes human skulls into different forms, ranging from dolichocephalic (long and narrow) to mesocephalic (moderate) and brachycephalic (short and broad). Tapinocephalic falls into the brachycephalic category due to its distinctive broadness.
It is important to note that the term "tapinocephalic" should be used with caution, as it carries a potentially derogatory connotation. It has historically been utilized in prejudiced and discriminatory contexts to label certain individuals or groups as intellectually inferior or less evolved based on their skull shape. Due to its negative associations and implications, the term is not widely used in modern scientific and academic discourse, where more neutral and objective terminology is preferred.
-
Having a low flat head; relating to tapinocephaly.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TAPINOCEPHALIC
- rapinocephalic
- fapinocephalic
- gapinocephalic
- yapinocephalic
- 6apinocephalic
- 5apinocephalic
- tzpinocephalic
- tspinocephalic
- twpinocephalic
- tqpinocephalic
- taoinocephalic
- talinocephalic
- ta-inocephalic
- ta0inocephalic
- tapunocephalic
- tapjnocephalic
- tapknocephalic
- taponocephalic
- tap9nocephalic
- tap8nocephalic
Etymology of TAPINOCEPHALIC
The word "tapinocephalic" is derived from two Greek roots: "tapinos" and "kephale".
- "Tapinos" (τάπινος) is a Greek word that means "wretched" or "miserable". It can also be translated as "pitiable" or "lowly".
- "Kephalē" (κεφαλή) means "head" in Greek.
Therefore, the combined form "tapinocephalic" refers to something related to a wretched or pitiable head. In specific contexts, it is often used to describe a type of dinosaur, Tapinocephalus, characterized by its distinctive head shape.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
