hydrocephalus

American  

[hahy-druh-sef-uh-luhs] / ˌhaɪ drəˈsɛf ə ləs /

Also hydrocephaly

noun

Pathology.

1. an accumulation of serous fluid within the cranium, especially in infancy, due to obstruction of the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, often causing great enlargement of the head; water on the brain.

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hydrocephalus British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈsɛfəlɪ, ˌhaɪdrəʊˈsɛfələs, ˌhaɪdrəʊsɛˈfælɪk /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: water on the brain.  accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain because its normal outlet has been blocked by congenital malformation or disease. In infancy it usually results in great enlargement of the head

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hydrocephalus Scientific  

/ hī′drō-sĕf′ə-ləs /

1. A usually congenital condition in which an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles causes enlargement of the skull and compression of and injury to brain tissue. If hydrocephalus becomes progressive, a shunt is surgically placed to reduce pressure by conducting fluid away from the brain, usually to the peritoneum.

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Other Word Forms

• hydrocephalic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hydrocephalus

1660–70; < Late Latin hydrocephalus ( morbus ) water-headed (sickness), translation of Greek tò hydroképhalon ( páthos ). See hydro- ¹, -cephalous

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hydrocephalus

Pearce said he also has hydrocephalus, external, a build-up of fluid in the brain, and needs a shunt "which drains fluid away".

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

Her son, who is referred to as J.M. in the complaint, is nonverbal and autistic and has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2026

The news of the home’s reconfiguration came after Joel announced May 23 that he would be calling off his tour to focus on treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 9, 2025

“And a day does not go by when I don't think about 'What did I do when I was pregnant with him that might've caused the hydrocephalus that has so impacted his life?'”

From Salon ● Jan. 31, 2025

If the meninges of the brain sympathize with other torpid parts, or are primarily affected, delirium, stupor, and perhaps hydrocephalus internus occur, see Class II.

From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Darwin, Erasmus