hydrocephalus

noun

hy·​dro·​ceph·​a·​lus ˌhī-drō-ˈse-fə-ləs How to pronounce hydrocephalus (audio)
variants or less commonly hydrocephaly
: an abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity (as from obstructed flow, excess production, or defective absorption) that is accompanied by expansion of the cerebral ventricles and often increased intracranial pressure, skull enlargement, and cognitive decline

Examples of hydrocephalus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In situations where the tumor is interfering with the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), people may have more pressure in their heads, known as hydrocephalus. Julia Landwehr, Health, 12 Jan. 2024 Somers also lived with hypertension and hydrocephalus, underlying conditions that led to her death. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023 Test results earlier in Marta’s pregnancy indicated the baby had hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain, which Dr. Jagielska says is likely because Maria had toxoplasmosis, a common infection caused by a parasite. TIME, 13 Oct. 2023 As a result, some patients have been left with permanent vision loss and hydrocephalus, a condition where there is too much fluid in the brain. Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 3 July 2023 Flood said her parents were generally active and enjoyed family gatherings and celebrations, although her father had trouble keeping his balance due to hydrocephalus, a condition caused by a build-up of fluid in the brain. Brian Brant, Peoplemag, 8 Aug. 2023 Generally speaking, hydrocephalus is a serious condition that can result in long-lasting harm to the brain and a number of short-term symptoms, including walking difficulties, memory problems, headaches, nausea, seizures and the aforementioned vision problems. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2023 Student Can’t Wear Sash with Mexican and U.S. Flag at High School Graduation, Judge Rules Samir was born on the autism spectrum and with a neurological disorder called hydrocephalus, according to the Review-Journal. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 5 June 2023 Campos’ third child, a daughter, was diagnosed with fetal congenital hydrocephalus, a condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid to build up in the brain’s ventricles. Palabra, al, 21 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrocephalus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin hydrocephalus, from Late Latin, hydrocephalic, adjective, from Greek hydrokephalos, from hydr- + kephalē head — more at cephalic

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrocephalus was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near hydrocephalus

Cite this Entry

“Hydrocephalus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrocephalus. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hydrocephalus

noun
hy·​dro·​ceph·​a·​lus ˌhī-drō-ˈsef-ə-ləs How to pronounce hydrocephalus (audio)
variants also hydrocephaly
: an abnormal condition in which an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid causes an increase in the size of the ventricles of the brain and the size of the skull and the wasting away of the brain

Medical Definition

hydrocephalus

noun
hy·​dro·​ceph·​a·​lus -ˈsef-ə-ləs, British also -ˈkef- How to pronounce hydrocephalus (audio)
plural hydrocephali -ˌlī How to pronounce hydrocephalus (audio)
: an abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity (as from obstructed flow, excess production, or defective absorption) that is accompanied by expansion of the cerebral ventricles and often increased intracranial pressure, skull enlargement, and cognitive decline

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrocephalus

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