chondrocranium

[kon-droh-krey-nee-uh m]

noun, plural chon·dro·cra·ni·ums, chon·dro·cra·ni·a

[kon-droh-krey-nee-uh] /ˌkɒn droʊˈkreɪ ni ə/.

a braincase composed of cartilage rather than bone, as the skull of sharks and of the vertebrate embryo before ossification.

Origin of chondrocranium

First recorded in 1870–75; chondro- + cranium

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for chondrocranium

Historical Examples of chondrocranium

The mandibles, however, are in part derived from the chondrocranium.
Degeneracy
Eugene S. Talbot
In the Dipneusti36 the chondrocranium is strengthened in the adult by numerous bones.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 3
Various
In the sturgeon the chondrocranium is ensheathed by numerous membrane bones, but cartilage bones are absent.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 3
Various
Numerous membrane bones cover the chondrocranium externally.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 3
Various
Behind, the primary skull or chondrocranium gives off two occipal or rear skull plates.
Degeneracy
Eugene S. Talbot

chondrocranium in Medicine

chondrocranium

[kŏn′drō-krā′nē-əm]

n.

The cartilaginous parts of the developing skull.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.