cephalic

adjective

ce·​phal·​ic sə-ˈfa-lik 

1

: of or relating to the head

cephalic measurements

2

: directed toward or situated on or in or near the head

gastropods with cephalic tentacles

dragons with cephalic horns

cephalically

sə-ˈfa-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cephalic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, most babies turn into a head-down position (cephalic presentation) somewhere around 36 weeks gestation. —Maria Carter, Parents, 24 Oct. 2023

This tulkun, however, has seen better days: Two-thirds of its cephalic fin has been blown off, which speaks to the film's wider warfare. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 10 Nov. 2022

Abdominal examination revealed a term pregnancy with a cephalic fetal presentation. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2018

Typically, tulkun have large petrel wings like a humpback whale, as well as a cephalic fin (an end fin). —Nick Romano, EW.com, 10 Nov. 2022

This provides an argument that mantas are sensing their local environment with their cephalic lobes. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2021

Fisher and her husband ultimately opted for external cephalic version. —Julia Naftulin, Health.com, 16 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle French céphalique, from Latin cephalicus, from Greek kephalikos, from kephalē head; akin to Old High German gebal skull, Old Norse gafl gable, Tocharian A śpāl head

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cephalic

• cephalic index

Medical Definition

cephalic

adjective

ce·​phal·​ic sə-ˈfal-ik 

1

: of or relating to the head

2

: directed toward or situated on or in or near the head

cephalically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb