brachycephalic

adjective

brachy·​ce·​phal·​ic ˌbra-ki-sə-ˈfa-lik 

: short-headed or broad-headed with a cephalic index of over 80

brachycephaly

ˌbra-ki-ˈse-fə-lē 

noun

Examples of brachycephalic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds carry a much higher risk of heatstroke due to the abnormal airways seen in these dogs, so owners of these breeds should use excessive caution when things start to heat up. —Dr. Devon B. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2024

For instance, brachycephalic dog breeds with short or snubbed noses (like French bulldogs and pugs) usually can’t fly in the hold due to breathing issues. —Matt Meltzer, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Aug. 2023

While a typical Labrador retriever or border collie had a median life expectancy of just over 13 years, the researchers found that almost across the board, flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dogs fared worse by that measure. —Amanda Schupak, CNN, 3 Feb. 2024

These issues can lead to chewing problems and infections in many brachycephalic breeds. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin brachycephalus, from Greek brachy- + kephalē head — more at cephalic

First Known Use

circa 1852, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

brachycephalic

adjective

brachy·​ce·​phal·​ic ˌbrak-i-sə-ˈfal-ik 

: short-headed or broad-headed with a cephalic index of over 80

brachycephaly

-ˈsef-ə-lē 

noun

plural brachycephalies