craniology

American  

[krey-nee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌkreɪ niˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the science that deals with the size, shape, and other characteristics of human skulls.

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craniology British  

/ ˌkreɪnɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌkreɪnɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of science concerned with the shape and size of the human skull, esp with reference to variations between different races

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Other Word Forms

• craniological adjective
• craniologically adverb
• craniologist noun

Etymology

Origin of craniology

First recorded in 1800–10; cranio- + -logy

Example Sentences

This is followed by an exhaustive study of the physical nature of the born criminal and the epileptic, modern craniology, the anomalies connected with the different classes of offences, the spine, pelvis, limbs, and physiognomy.

From Criminal Man According to the Classification of Cesare Lombroso by Lombroso, Gina

Another had a strange notion of how to spell craniology, for he wrote ``Chonology is the science of the brane.''

From Literary Blunders by Wheatley, Henry Benjamin

Lewes meandered off into somewhat abstruse speculation with regard to the significance of craniology.

From The Wonder by Beresford, J. D. (John Davys)

Now are craniology and you upon your trial.

From Put Yourself in His Place by Reade, Charles

This introduced, I cannot tell how, some remarks on the head, which led to a disquisition on craniology.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 10, No. 271, September 1, 1827 by Various