craniology

American  

[krey-nee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌkreɪ niˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the science that deals with the size, shape, and other characteristics of human skulls.

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craniology British  

/ ˌkreɪnɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌkreɪnɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of science concerned with the shape and size of the human skull, esp with reference to variations between different races

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Other Word Forms

• craniological
  adjective
• craniologically
  adverb
• craniologist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of craniology

First recorded in 1800–10; cranio- + -logy

Example Sentences

Lewes meandered off into somewhat abstruse speculation with regard to the significance of craniology.

From The Wonder by Beresford, J. D. (John Davys)

Establishing the Anthropological Society of Paris in 1859, of which he was secretary till his death, he was practically the inventor of the modern science of craniology.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various

He does not think very much of the books primarily devoted to a discussion of the conflicting opinions on craniology and psychology of the natives.

From The Journal of Negro History, Volume 7, 1922 by Various

But Houbraken is now known to have been no more honest than his successors in portrait engraving: although physiognomy and craniology ought to help the moderns out in these matters.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 12, No. 344 (Supplementary Issue) by Various

A few experiments made on these points would be interesting, and we should have a new science, that of lacteology, to add to craniology, in our nurture and rearing of the species.

From Olla Podrida by Marryat, Frederick