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cranial

adjective

cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the skull or cranium
2
cranially adverb

Examples of cranial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The team used high-resolution 3D imaging (microCT scanning) to reconstruct brain shapes (cranial endocasts) from over three dozen species — including pterosaurs, Ixalerpeton, early dinosaurs, and modern birds/crocodiles. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025 The majority of pachycephalosaurid taxa are known exclusively from cranial remains. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025 The majority of what scientists know about pachycephalosaurid species is from cranial remains, according to the paper. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025 All received 9 Gy of cranial radiation, equivalent to a strong therapeutic dose. New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cranial

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cranial was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Cranial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cranial. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

cranial

adjective
cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
: of, relating to, or directed toward the skull or cranium

Medical Definition

cranial

adjective
cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the skull or cranium
2
: cephalic
the cranial end of the spinal column
cranially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cranial

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