brachycephalic

American  

[brak-ee-suh-fal-ik] / ˌbræk i səˈfæl ɪk /

Also brachycephalous

adjective

Cephalometry.

1. short-headed; having a cephalic index of 81.0–85.4.

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brachycephalic British  

/ ˌbrækɪsɪˈfælɪk /

adjective

1. having a head nearly as broad from side to side as from front to back, esp one with a cephalic index over 80

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noun

1. an individual with such a head

Other Word Forms

• brachycephalism noun
• brachycephaly noun
• hyperbrachycephalic adjective
• hyperbrachycephaly noun

Etymology

Origin of brachycephalic

First recorded in 1840–50; brachy- + -cephalic

Example Sentences

The same is true of excessive weight, Gunter added — and brachycephalic dogs are prone to weight problems.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2023

Passengers with brachycephalic dogs contend with even fewer choices because of a widespread ban on snub-nosed canines, which are prone to breathing issues.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2023

Indeed, he warned that if brachycephalic dogs continue to be inbred at current rates, they may not exist in the near future.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2023

"While these extreme, unhealthy characteristics remain, we will continue to strongly recommend potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds such as pugs," Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association added.

From BBC • May 18, 2022

The head index is brachycephalic except in the case of three, and all are platyrhinian, or nearly so, except one.

From The Negrito and Allied Types in the Philippines and The Ilongot or Ibilao of Luzon by Barrows, David Prescott