acephalous

[ ey-sef-uh-luh s ]
/ eɪˈsɛf ə ləs /

adjective

Also a·ce·phal·ic [ey-suh-fal-ik] /ˌeɪ səˈfæl ɪk/. Zoology. headless; lacking a distinct head.
without a leader or ruler.

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Origin of acephalous

1725–35; < Greek aképhalos; see a-6, -cephalous

Words nearby acephalous

acephalocyst, acephalogasteria, acephalorrhachia, acephalostomia, acephalothoracia, acephalous, acephaly, acephate, acequia, acer, aceramic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for acephalous

British Dictionary definitions for acephalous

acephalous
/ (əˈsɛfələs) /

adjective

having no head or one that is reduced and indistinct, as certain insect larvae
having or recognizing no ruler or leader

Word Origin for acephalous

C18: via Medieval Latin from Greek akephalos. See a- 1, -cephalic
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