craniology

[ krey-nee-ol-uh-jee ]

noun

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

craniology

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌcraniˈologist, noun
• ˌcranioˈlogically, adverb
• craniological, adjective

Other Words From

• cra·ni·o·log·i·cal [krey-nee-, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• crani·o·logi·cal·ly adverb
• crani·olo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of craniology¹

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

Example Sentences

It is observations of this kind, particularly, that have served to discredit craniology as an independent science.

From Project Gutenberg

The Ethnographical and Anthropological collection consists of above 550 objects, among which are 100 skulls, representing the craniology of almost all the races of the globe.

From Project Gutenberg

Many years afterward Virchow established the science of craniology in the department of anthropology, and succeeded in throwing not a little light on the origins of races by his discoveries in this matter.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1815 the Edinburgh Review contained an article on the system of “craniology” of F. J. Gall and K. Spurzheim, which was denounced as “a piece of thorough quackery from beginning to end.”

From Project Gutenberg

Lavater and Gall would have been very much embarrassed by it; for both physiognomy and craniology would be, perhaps, equally at a loss amongst the Philippines.

From Project Gutenberg