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brachycephalic

brachycephalic

9.9
A person who has a short, wide head that is almost as wide as it is long
  • noun
  • /ˌbrækɪsəˈfælɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : braquicefálico
  • Many dogs, such as bulldogs and pugs, are considered brachycephalic because of their short and broad heads.

Examples

  • Some brachycephalic breeds may experience breathing difficulties due to the shape of their skulls.

  • Veterinarians often provide special care for brachycephalic animals to address health issues related to their head structure.

  • Brachycephalic skull, heavy lower jaw, skin...

How Broad

brachycephalic
  • Specialized
9.9
dolichocephalic
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

brachycephalic = cephalic (opaque) = brachy + cephal + ic

The word is formed by adding the classical combining form brachy- to cephalic, but the technical Greek-derived elements are not transparent for an average learner.

Etymology

The noun brachycephalic comes from the same Greek parts brachy- 'short' and cephalic (from kephalē) 'head'. It names a person or animal with a 'short head'—a broad, short skull—so doctors and scientists use it when they measure and describe head shape.