macrencephalous

9.9

A skull with a large space for the brain

adjective
/ˌmæk.rɪnˈsɛf.ə.ləs/

Specialized

: macrencefálico

The species is distinguished by its macrencephalous skull, suggesting greater cognitive potential.

Examples

Some paleontologists believe that early hominids were macrencephalous compared to their ancestors.
Researchers noted a trend toward macrencephalous features in the evolution of certain mammals.
The macrencephalous species are often considered more intelligent.
Some researchers argue that macrencephalous animals have better cognitive abilities.
The species is distinguished by its macrencephalous skull, suggesting greater cognitive potential.
Some paleontologists believe that early hominids were macrencephalous compared to their ancestors.
Researchers noted a trend toward macrencephalous features in the evolution of certain mammals.

Synonyms

macrencephalic

vsmacrencephalous

Specialized

9.9

A person or animal with an unusually large skull that holds a big brain

refers only to skull size rather than brain development

macrocephalous

vsmacrencephalous

Specialized

9.9

Having an unusually large head and brain

focuses on skull size without stating abnormality of the whole head

macrocephalic

vsmacrencephalous

Specialized

9.9

A person or animal with a very large head often because of a medical problem

specifies skull enlargement rather than general head size

How Large

macrencephalous

Specialized

9.9

microcephalic

Specialized

1 9.9

Surface Forms

macrencephalous positive

Morphology

macrencephalous = macroencephaly (opaque) = macr + encephal + ous

The term is built from specialized Greek combining forms (macro-/macr- and encephal-) plus the adjectival -ous, which is not transparent to average learners.

Etymology

Macrencephalous comes from Greek parts macr- meaning 'large' (as in macro) and encephal- meaning 'brain'. So it literally means 'large-brained', which is why we use it for animals with a big brain case.