brachycephalic

American  

[brak-ee-suh-fal-ik] / ˌbræk i səˈfæl ɪk /

Also brachycephalous

adjective

Cephalometry.

1. short-headed; having a cephalic index of 81.0–85.4.

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brachycephalic British  

/ ˌbrækɪsɪˈfælɪk /

adjective

1. having a head nearly as broad from side to side as from front to back, esp one with a cephalic index over 80

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noun

1. an individual with such a head

Other Word Forms

• brachycephalism noun
• brachycephaly noun
• hyperbrachycephalic adjective
• hyperbrachycephaly noun

Etymology

Origin of brachycephalic

First recorded in 1840–50; brachy- + -cephalic

Example Sentences

"Struggling to breathe can also limit the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, straining the hearts of brachycephalic dogs and making them more susceptible to heart problems."

From Salon

Passengers with brachycephalic dogs contend with even fewer choices because of a widespread ban on snub-nosed canines, which are prone to breathing issues.

From Washington Post

She is one of the country's leading experts in brachycephalic breeds.

From BBC

One can visually chart the devolution of these brachycephalic breeds simply by studying pictures of them from a century ago and comparing them to their present-day counterparts.

From Salon

"While these extreme, unhealthy characteristics remain, we will continue to strongly recommend potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds such as pugs," Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association added.

From BBC