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🐶 Short, broad-headed 👤 A short-headed person
brachycephalic

brachycephalic

1 9.9
Having a short, wide head that is almost as wide as it is long
  • adjective
  • /ˌbrækɪsɪˈfælik/
  • Specialized
translation icon : braquicefálico
  • The bulldog's brachycephalic skull shape can cause breathing difficulties.

Examples

  • The vet explained that brachycephalic dogs often have breathing difficulties due to their short noses.

  • Certain breeds of cats are known for their brachycephalic features.

  • In anthropology, a brachycephalic head is one that is almost as wide as it is long.

  • The brachycephalic dog breeds often have breathing difficulties.

  • Many brachycephalic animals require special care.

  • Many people love brachycephalic breeds like pugs and bulldogs because of their distinct appearance.

  • The brachycephalic skull shape can be found in various dog breeds that are popular as pets.

Synonyms

brachycranial
vsbrachycephalic
  • Specialized
9.9

Having a short, broad head like some bulldogs

is the alternate scientific form used for the same skull measurement
brachycranic
vsbrachycephalic
  • Specialized
9.9

Having a short, wide head shape

is the other standard scientific form for that skull measurement
broad-headed
vsbrachycephalic
  • Specialized
8.2

An animal or person with a wide head compared with its length

is the technical label using skull index rather than plain description
short-headed
vsbrachycephalic
  • Specialized
7.9

Having a short, wide head like some dogs and sheep

focuses on a precise skull measurement rather than a general shape description

Antonyms

dolichocephalic
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Having a long, narrow head, like a Greyhound

How Broad

brachycephalic
  • Specialized
1 9.9
dolichocephalic
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Surface Forms

brachycephalic positive

Morphology

brachycephalic = cephalic (semi-transparent) = brachy + cephalic

Built from recognizable Greek combining forms ('brachy-' = short, 'cephalic' = relating to the head); the formation is regular but relies on technical/classical morphemes that may be unfamiliar to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Brachycephalic comes from the Greek parts brachy- 'short' and cephalic (from kephalē) 'head'. So it literally means a 'short head', which is why we use it for animals like bulldogs or certain cats that have a wide, short skull that can make breathing harder.