brachycephaly
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌbræk.iˈsɛf.ə.li/
KK: /brækɪˈsɛfəli/
noun
Definition
A medical condition where a person's skull is shorter and wider than normal, often leading to a flattened appearance at the back of the head.
Example
The doctor diagnosed the baby with brachycephaly after noticing the shape of the head.
Conversation
Did you read that article about brachycephaly in babies?
Yeah, I was surprised to learn how common it is.
I had no idea it could affect their development too.
Right? It's important for parents to be aware of it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
plagiocephaly
microcephaly
dolichocephaly
Antonyms
normocephaly
macrencephaly
brachycephaly
Root Explanation
Brachycephaly → It is formed from "brachy-" (from Greek "brachys", meaning short) and "cephalus" (from Greek "kephalē", meaning head). The word describes a condition characterized by a short head.
Memory Tip
Think of 'brachy-' meaning short and 'cephalus' meaning head — this helps you remember that brachycephaly refers to a short head.
Visually Confused Words
subbrachycephaly
pachycephaly
ultrabrachycephaly
hypsibrachycephaly
hyperbrachycephaly
pachycephal
subbrachycephalic
hyperbrachycephal