cephalic

[ suh-fal-ik ]

adjective

of or relating to the head.
situated or directed toward the head.

Origin of cephalic

1590–1600; <Latin cephalicus<Greek kephalikós of the head. See cephal-, -ic

Other words from cephalic

ce·phal·i·cal·ly, adverb
post·ce·phal·ic, adjective
pro·ce·phal·ic, adjective
un·ce·phal·ic, adjective

Other definitions for -cephalic (2 of 2)

-cephalic

variant of -cephalous: brachycephalic.

Origin of -cephalic

<Greek -kephal(os) -cephalous + -ic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cephalic in a sentence

During the Bronze Age the cephalic index rises all over middle and western Europe.
The New Stone Age in Northern Europe | John M. Tyler
Between the cephalic enlargements and the tail-swellings is situated the rudimentary trunk of the embryo.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1 | Francis Maitland Balfour
E appears to be a little abnormal in not having the cephalic region so distinctly marked off from the trunk as is usual.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1 | Francis Maitland Balfour
The amnion forms a small fold covering over the cephalic extremity of the embryo, which is deeply embedded in the yolk.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1 | Francis Maitland Balfour
By the close of this stage the full number of post-cephalic segments has become established.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1 | Francis Maitland Balfour

British Dictionary definitions for cephalic (1 of 2)

cephalic

/ (sɪˈfælɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to the head
situated in, on, or near the head

British Dictionary definitions for -cephalic (2 of 2)

-cephalic

adj combining form

indicating skull or head; -headed: brachycephalic

Origin of -cephalic

from Greek -kephalos

Derived forms of -cephalic

-cephaly or -cephalism, n combining form

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for cephalic

cephalic

[ sə-făl′ĭk ]

Located on or near the head.

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