occipital bone

noun

, Anatomy.

1. a curved, compound bone forming the back and part of the base of the skull.

occipital bone

noun

1. the saucer-shaped bone that forms the back part of the skull and part of its base

Word History and Origins

Origin of occipital bone¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

But he would later recall the occipital bone when he learned that B-1’s skull was never recovered.

From New York Times

When lawyers retained by Penn asked her about the occipital bone, she told them she was “confused” and “simply made an error.”

From New York Times

He says he opened the box and saw a pelvic fragment, a partial femur and a small, cupped bone a bit larger than a playing card, which he recognized as an occipital bone from the back of a skull.

From New York Times

Gauge where to start the fade on your head by your occipital bone; you'll find it midway up your skull, a little higher than where your ears end.

From Salon

But life doesn't let you just take the losses; it grabs your occipital bone, looks you in the eye, and smushes your face into the earth.

From Golf Digest