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hydrocephalic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌhaɪdrəˈsɛfəlɪk/

KK: /haɪˈdroʊsəˌfælɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to a medical condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, often leading to increased head size and pressure.


Example

The doctor explained that the child was hydrocephalic and would need special treatment.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the baby born with a hydrocephalic condition?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read an article about it; it's quite rare.
Sloth A
I hope they can provide the right treatment for him.
Sloth B
Me too, it must be really challenging for the family.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
waterlogged
swollen
bulging
Antonyms
normal
flat
deflated
Root Explanation

Hydrocephalic is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "cephalus" (from Greek "kephalē", meaning head). The term describes a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to an enlarged head.

Memory Tip

Imagine water ('hydro-') building up in the head ('cephalus') — that's what hydrocephalic means.

Visually Confused Words
pyrgocephalic
dorsocephalic
procephalic
cylindrocephalic
cynocephalic
acrocephalic
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