fontanel

American  

[fon-tn-el] / ˌfɒn tnˈɛl /

Or fontanelle

noun

Anatomy.

1. one of the spaces, covered by membrane, between the bones of the fetal or young skull.

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Etymology

Origin of fontanel

1375–1425; late Middle English fontinel < Middle French fontanele little spring, diminutive of fontaine fountain

Example Sentences

His fontanel, the soft spot on the top of his head, was flat — as it should be.

From New York Times

I was gobsmacked by my babies: their meaty beauty and smell, the doughy smoothness of their skin, the pulsing crater of fontanel.

From New York Times

I peeled one and rolled it all over the baby’s head, his eyes, his lips, off his bump of a nose, his cheeks, his dear bald head and fontanel.

From Literature

Once the fontanel grew over, however, the hat could be safely removed.

From Salon

Some are tailored for mathematics, some for cosmology, others for theology; some are of such recent vintage their fontanels still feel soft.

From New York Times