microcephalous

9.9

A person born with a much smaller head and brain

adjective
/ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈsɛf.ə.ləs/

Specialized

: microcéfalo

Some genetic conditions can cause infants to be born microcephalous and with developmental challenges.

Examples

The doctor explained that the baby was microcephalous, which meant extra care would be needed.
Children who are microcephalous often require special care.
Researchers are investigating the causes of microcephalous disorders in certain populations.
The doctor diagnosed the infant as microcephalous.
Some genetic conditions can cause infants to be born microcephalous and with developmental challenges.
The doctor explained that the baby was microcephalous, which meant extra care would be needed.
Children who are microcephalous often require special care.

Synonyms

microcephalic

vsmicrocephalous

Specialized

1 9.9

Having a head much smaller than normal because the brain did not grow

is focused on small head linked specifically to an underdeveloped brain

nanocephalic

vsmicrocephalous

Specialized

9.9

Having a very small head and brain from birth

is not limited to congenital cases and stresses brain underdevelopment

pinheaded

vsmicrocephalous

Slang

8.5

A person or animal with a head much smaller than the body

is a clinical description focusing on brain underdevelopment rather than casual comparison

Antonyms

macrocephalous

Specialized

9.9

Having an unusually large head and brain

How Small

microcephalous

Specialized

9.9

macrocephalic

Specialized

9.9

Surface Forms

microcephalous positive

Morphology

microcephalous = micro + cephal + ous

Although the word is built from a small-head combining form plus an adjectival suffix, the root is technical and not transparent to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Microcephalous comes from the parts micro- ('small') and -cephalous ('head'), like the micro- you know in microphone. So it literally means 'small-headed', which is why the word describes someone with an unusually small head.