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.

---

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

---

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

"Struggling to breathe can also limit the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, straining the hearts of brachycephalic dogs and making them more susceptible to heart problems."

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2023

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

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

She is one of the country's leading experts in brachycephalic breeds.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2023

These are now represented by the Caribs and Arawaks, but there was more than one migration of brachycephalic peoples from the north.

From Man, Past and Present by Haddon, Alfred Court