hydrocephalus

[ hahy-druh-sef-uh-luhs ]

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.

hydrocephalus

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈsɛfəlɪ; ˌhaɪdrəʊˈsɛfələs; ˌhaɪdrəʊsɛˈfælɪk /

noun

1. 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 Nontechnical namewater on the brain

hydrocephalus

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• hydrocephalic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrocephalus¹

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

Example Sentences

Nancy was born with meningitis, septicemia, and hydrocephalus.

From The Daily Beast

That gentleman had lately taken his degree, and had chosen hydrocephalus for the subject of his thesis in the year 1779.

From Project Gutenberg

Acute hydrocephalus is another name for tuberculous meningitis (see Meningitis).

From Project Gutenberg

Chronic hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain,” consists in an effusion of fluid into the lateral ventricles of the brain.

From Project Gutenberg

Acute hydrocephalus influences respiration in such a way that it slackens and becomes irregular.

From Project Gutenberg

Violent diarrhoea resulting from intestinal tuberculosis may be discontinued at the beginning of acute hydrocephalus.

From Project Gutenberg