Cranium: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used in a medical or scientific context when referring to the part of the skull that encloses the brain.

• The X-ray showed no fractures in the cranium
• During anatomy class, we studied the human cranium in detail

A general term that can be used in most casual, medical, or educational contexts to refer to the entire bony structure of the head.

• She found a small animal skull in the forest
• The doctor examined the patient's skull for any signs of injury

Often used in more technical or biological contexts, especially when discussing animals or evolutionary biology.

• The fossilized braincase of the dinosaur was remarkably well-preserved
• Researchers have compared the braincase structures of different species

An informal or colloquial term, sometimes used humorously or disparagingly.

• He hit his brainpan on the low ceiling
• Someone joked that he must have water in his brainpan

Typically used in medical or anatomical contexts to refer to the part of the skull that encloses the brain.

• The cranium protects the brain from injuries
• During the anatomy class, students learned about the structure of the cranium

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the entire upper part of the human body above the neck.

• He has a headache
• She nodded her head in agreement
• They all turned their heads when they heard a loud noise

Refers to the bony structure of the head; can have a somewhat neutral or slightly eerie connotation, often used in scientific contexts or describing injuries.

• The archaeologists found an ancient human skull
• He sustained a skull fracture in the accident

Informal or humorous term for the head, often used in casual conversations or when speaking to children.

• Watch your noggin when you go through that low doorway
• He bumped his noggin on the shelf