brachycephalic

American  

[brak-ee-suh-fal-ik] / ˌbræk i səˈfæl ɪk /

Also brachycephalous

adjective

Cephalometry.

1. short-headed; having a cephalic index of 81.0–85.4.

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brachycephalic British  

/ ˌbrækɪsɪˈfælɪk /

adjective

1. having a head nearly as broad from side to side as from front to back, esp one with a cephalic index over 80

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noun

1. an individual with such a head

Other Word Forms

• brachycephalism noun
• brachycephaly noun
• hyperbrachycephalic adjective
• hyperbrachycephaly noun

Etymology

Origin of brachycephalic

First recorded in 1840–50; brachy- + -cephalic

Example Sentences

That term is "brachycephalic," derived from the Greek for "short head."

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2023

His advice to owners of brachycephalic dogs is "avoiding letting them or taking them outside during especially warm periods."

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2023

Passengers with brachycephalic dogs contend with even fewer choices because of a widespread ban on snub-nosed canines, which are prone to breathing issues.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2023

"While these extreme, unhealthy characteristics remain, we will continue to strongly recommend potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds such as pugs," Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association added.

From BBC • May 18, 2022

The skull in the endemic form of cretinism is usually brachycephalic, but in the sporadic cases it is more commonly dolichocephalic.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various