Definition

A soft area on a baby's head where the bones of the skull have not yet fully joined together.

Example

The doctor checked the baby's fontanelle to ensure it was normal.

Conversation

Did you know that babies have a fontanelle on their heads?

Yeah, I heard it's because their skull bones aren't fully fused yet.

Exactly! It's pretty interesting how that helps during birth.

Right? It makes me appreciate how delicate newborns are.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fontanelle → It is derived from the French word 'fontanelle', which comes from the Latin 'fontanella', a diminutive of 'fontana' (meaning fountain or spring). The term refers to the soft spot on a baby's skull where the bones have not yet fused, resembling a small fountain or spring of life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'fountain' ('fontana') of new life in a baby's head, where the soft spot ('fontanelle') allows for growth and development.

Visually Confused Words