occipital bone

noun

: a compound bone that forms the posterior part of the skull and bears a condyle by which the skull articulates with the atlas

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

And on his occipital bone, at the very base of the back of his skull, archaeologists found a fracture with sharp, linear edges—the work of a cutting blow from a heavy, edged weapon. —Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 1 Oct. 2019

In addition, signs of decapitation were found on the occipital bones. —Fox News, 19 Sep. 2019

The occipital bone is the main bone of the lower part of the skull. —Maggie O'neill, Health.com, 20 June 2019

Another bullet fractured her occipital bone, near the base of her neck, and the third struck the upper chest, the report said. —Erin Hegarty, Elgin Courier-News, 30 Apr. 2018

The occipital bone is the main bone of the lower part of the skull. —Maggie O'neill, Health.com, 20 June 2019

Another bullet fractured her occipital bone, near the base of her neck, and the third struck the upper chest, the report said. —Erin Hegarty, Elgin Courier-News, 30 Apr. 2018

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Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

occipital bone

noun

: a compound bone that forms the back part of the skull

Medical Definition

occipital bone

noun

: a compound bone that forms the posterior part of the skull and surrounds the foramen magnum, bears the condyles for articulation with the atlas, is composed of four united elements, is much curved and roughly trapezoidal in outline, ends in front of the foramen magnum in the basilar process, and bears on its external surface behind the foramen magnum the two curved transverse superior and inferior nuchal lines as well as the median external occipital crest and external occipital protuberance