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

The bullet had entered near the bridge of the nose, and broken the occipital bone, so as to produce a concussion of the spine.

From Project Gutenberg

Dolichocephalic, a skull whose diameter from the frontal to the occipital bone exceeds the transverse diameter.

From Project Gutenberg

The course of the sagittal suture is grooved, and above the angle of the occipital bone the parietals are depressed.

From Project Gutenberg

The neck area of the occipital bone was also ape-like in form.

From Project Gutenberg

The occipital bone, deeply depressed below the crest or ridge of the head.

From Project Gutenberg