acephalous

[ ey-sef-uh-luhs ]

adjective

1. Also a·ce·phal·ic [] Zoology. headless; lacking a distinct head.
2. without a leader or ruler.

acephalous

/ əˈsɛfələs /

adjective

1. having no head or one that is reduced and indistinct, as certain insect larvae
2. having or recognizing no ruler or leader

Word History and Origins

Origin of acephalous¹

1725–35; < Greek aképhalos; a- ⁶, -cephalous

Word History and Origins

Origin of acephalous¹

C18: via Medieval Latin from Greek akephalos. See a- ¹, -cephalic

Example Sentences

Unlike the rigidly hierarchical Afghan Taliban, Pakistan’s insurgency has a decentralized, almost acephalous quality in which most power rests with the ruling shura, or leadership council.

From New York Times

Only one of my books is without a preface,—though some of them are disguised as notes, or forewords, or afterwords,—and I hereby apologize for the acephalous condition of that volume.

From Project Gutenberg

Sandiford had divided acephalous animals into three classes: the first, in which the head was wanting; the second, where other organs were also missing; and the third, where the fœtus presented an unformed mass.

From Project Gutenberg

The presence of a brain is not essential, because acephalous monsters develop without brain, and they are born alive; they have a vital principle which is identical with the soul.

From Project Gutenberg

We, in consequence, were fully able to visit the treasure of Atreus and the ruins of Mycen� without fear or risk from those acephalous enemies.

From Project Gutenberg