cranium

Definition

That part of the skull consisting of the bones enclosing the brain, but not including the bones of the face or jaw.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin crānium (“skull”), from Ancient Greek κρᾱνίον (krāníon, “skull”). By surface analysis, crani- + -um.

Example Sentences

• "The Skull is divided into two parts, the Cranium and the Face. The Cranium is composed of eight bones; […]"
• "‘I always ask leave, in the interests of science, to measure the crania of those going out there,’ he said."
• "The cranium of the fowl is composed of the same elements as are present in the mammalian cranium, save that there is no interparietal."