squamosal

[ skwuh-moh-suhl ]

adjective

1. Anatomy. of or relating to the thin, scalelike portion of the temporal bone that is situated on the side of the skull above and behind the ear.
2. Zoology. pertaining to a corresponding bone in other vertebrates.
3. squamous.

noun

1. a squamosal bone.

squamosal

/ skwəˈməʊsəl /

noun

1. a thin platelike paired bone in the skull of vertebrates: in mammals it forms part of the temporal bone

adjective

1. of or relating to this bone
2. See squamous
   a less common word for squamous

Other Words From

• super·squa·mosal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squamosal¹

1840–50; < Latin squāmōs ( us ) squamous + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The anterior (zygomatic) process of the squamosal is greatly reduced (only about one-third the length of the posterior process).

From Project Gutenberg

But the squamosal bone with which it always unites is in less close union with the brain case, and never covers the brain itself.

From Project Gutenberg

The superior arch always includes the squamosal bone, which is at the back of the single bar in mammals.

From Project Gutenberg

The squamosal is broad posteriorly but its anterior arm is slender and not in contact with the maxillary.

From Project Gutenberg

The squamosal of R. elegans is nearly triangular and notably different from that of Synaptotylus newelli.

From Project Gutenberg