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Cephalic: meaning, definitions and examples

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cephalic

 

[ səˈfælɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical term

Cephalic refers to anything related to the head. In medical terminology, it often describes the position of a fetus in utero, particularly when the head is down in preparation for childbirth. The cephalic presentation is considered the normal position for delivery. Additionally, cephalic can denote anatomical studies focused on the head and its structures. It is derived from the Greek word 'kephalē', meaning 'head'.

Synonyms

cranial, head-related, topical

Examples of usage

  • The baby is in a cephalic position.
  • Cephalic veins are important for intravenous access.
  • During the scan, the doctor noted the cephalic presentation.
  • Cephalic development is crucial during the early stages of growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "cephalic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cefálico

🇮🇳 शीर्षस्थ

🇩🇪 cephalisch

🇮🇩 sefalik

🇺🇦 цефалічний

🇵🇱 cefaliczny

🇯🇵 頭部の

🇫🇷 céphalique

🇪🇸 cefálico

🇹🇷 sefalik

🇰🇷 두개골의

🇸🇦 رأسي

🇨🇿 cefaloidní

🇸🇰 cefaloidný

🇨🇳 头部的

🇸🇮 cefaličen

🇮🇸 höfuðkúpu

🇰🇿 бас миңы

🇬🇪 ხელის

🇦🇿 baş

🇲🇽 cefálico

Etymology

The term 'cephalic' originates from the Greek 'kephalē', which translates to 'head'. In ancient medical texts, the word was used to describe conditions and anatomical details pertaining to the head and its associated structures. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various medical contexts, especially obstetrics, where it plays a significant role in describing fetal positions during childbirth. Its use in modern medicine reflects a continuity of knowledge from ancient practices to contemporary understanding of human anatomy and physiology. The cephalic position is particularly noted as an ideal alignment for delivery, emphasizing the importance of head orientation in obstetric care.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,956, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.