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Glite Dictionary
craniology

craniology

9.9
The study of human skull size and shape to compare different groups of people
  • noun
  • /ˌkreɪniˈɑlədʒi/
  • Archaic
translation icon : craniología
  • Research in craniology has revealed significant differences in skull structures across populations.

Examples

  • Gerasimov specialists, who tend to have a background in anatomy, osteology, or craniology, first examine the skull to check for any unusual signs or markings.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The new orientation emerged in the context of the rising interest in phrenology and craniology, new attitudes regarding the body, and the debate over the incorporation of the Indian into American society.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The Austrian Institute of Craniology has asked many times for you to lecture there on your theory of brain transplants.

    The Man with Two Brains (1983)

  • The study of craniology focuses on the variations in skull shape among different races.

  • To understand human evolution better, scholars often delve into craniology and its findings about ancient skulls.

Synonyms

craniometry
vscraniology
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Measuring skulls to learn about people or animals

is broader studying skull form and links to racial differences

Surface Forms

craniology singular
craniologies plural

Morphology

craniology = cranio + logy

This is a learned classical formation meaning 'skull study' from cranio- and -logy, so the structure is clear but the term is technical.

Etymology

Craniology comes from the Greek root crani- meaning 'skull' and the ending -ology meaning 'study of'. So, craniology literally means the 'study of skulls', and in the nineteenth century people used it to measure skull size and shape to compare different races.