endocast

[ en-duh-kast, -kahst ]

noun

, Archaeology.

1. endocranial cast.
2. steinkern.

Word History and Origins

Origin of endocast¹

First recorded in 1945–50; endo(cranial) ( def ) + cast ( def )

Example Sentences

Better yet, the fossil fitted neatly with another type of fossil, called an endocast, formed from sediments accumulated inside the skull.

From Nature

In the paper, he also reasoned that “enhanced cerebral powers possessed by this group … made their existence possible in this untoward environment”, attributing intelligence based on his interpretation of human-like brain convolutions at the back of the specimen’s endocast.

From Nature

The most controversial aspect of Dart’s paper, then and now, is his view that the back of the Taung Child’s endocast is human-like.

From Nature

It provided voluminous extra details about the endocast, bones and teeth, and bolstered the argument that humans originated in Africa6.

From Nature

The endocast reflects brain-surface details stamped on the braincase’s inner walls.

From Nature