acephalous

American  

[ey-sef-uh-luhs] / eɪˈsɛf ə ləs /

adjective

1. Zoology.  Also acephalic headless; lacking a distinct head.

2. without a leader or ruler.

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acephalous British  

/ əˈsɛfələs /

adjective

1. having no head or one that is reduced and indistinct, as certain insect larvae

2. having or recognizing no ruler or leader

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Etymology

Origin of acephalous

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

Example Sentences

Unlike the rigidly hierarchical Afghan Taliban, Pakistan’s insurgency has a decentralized, almost acephalous quality in which most power rests with the ruling shura, or leadership council.

From New York Times

Only one of my books is without a preface,—though some of them are disguised as notes, or forewords, or afterwords,—and I hereby apologize for the acephalous condition of that volume.

From Project Gutenberg

Sandiford had divided acephalous animals into three classes: the first, in which the head was wanting; the second, where other organs were also missing; and the third, where the fœtus presented an unformed mass.

From Project Gutenberg

The presence of a brain is not essential, because acephalous monsters develop without brain, and they are born alive; they have a vital principle which is identical with the soul.

From Project Gutenberg

We, in consequence, were fully able to visit the treasure of Atreus and the ruins of Mycen� without fear or risk from those acephalous enemies.

From Project Gutenberg