cranium

American  

[krey-nee-uhm] / ˈkreɪ ni əm /

noun

plural

craniums, crania

1. the skull of a vertebrate.

2. the part of the skull that encloses the brain.

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cranium British  

/ ˈkreɪnɪəm /

noun

1. the skull of a vertebrate

2. Nontechnical name: brainpan.  the part of the skull that encloses the brain

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cranium Scientific  

/ krā′nē-əm /

plural

craniums

1. The vertebrate skull, especially the part that encloses and protects the brain.

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cranium Cultural  

1. The part of the skull that encloses the brain.

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Etymology

Origin of cranium

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English craneum, from Medieval Latin crānium, from Greek krāníon “skull”; akin to kerato-, cerebrum, cornu, horn

Example Sentences

"This newly reconstructed cranium further emphasizes the anatomical diversity seen in early members of our genus, which is only likely to increase with future discoveries."

From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025

The university removed that cranium from the reburial so it can be assessed for return through NAGPRA.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2024

If the device works as expected, it will answer longstanding questions about the impacts of microgravity inside the cranium.

From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2023

These are stories I want to invest in, and it's irritating to have the alleged Garlin ickiness buzzing around my cranium like a gnat while I try to do that.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2023

Straps from a hard hat had been rigged to fit the manservant’s cranium.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer