acephalous

[ ey-sef-uh-luhs ]

adjective

1. Also a·ce·phal·ic [] Zoology. headless; lacking a distinct head.
2. without a leader or ruler.

acephalous

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acephalous¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acephalous¹

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

Example Sentences

Based in Southeast Nigeria, this industrious and acephalous group has attracted a lot of attention from research in recent years.

From Quartz

Its cercari are usually found in an acephalous mollusc, known by the name of Cyclas cornea.

From Project Gutenberg

He found it more 'acephalous' than ever; 'less order; less unity of purpose.'

From Project Gutenberg

Such is a summary description of all the Acephalous Molluscs.

From Project Gutenberg

I cannot imagine anything more manifestly made to be a tyranny than such an acephalous aristocracy.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost all bivalve shells, or those of acephalous mollusca, are marine, about ten only out of ninety genera being freshwater.

From Project Gutenberg