Skull: meaning, definitions and examples

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skull

[ skʌl ]

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anatomy

The skull is the bony structure that forms the head of a human or animal.

Synonyms

cranium, head, skullcap

Examples of usage

The skull protects the brain.
The skull consists of several bones including the frontal bone and the occipital bone.

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symbolism

In many cultures, the skull is a symbol of death or mortality.

Synonyms

cranium, death's head

Examples of usage

The skull and crossbones symbol is often used to represent danger or poison.
Some people use skull imagery in fashion to convey a sense of rebellion.

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informal

To skull something means to drink it quickly in one go.

Synonyms

chug, gulp

Examples of usage

He skulled his beer in one gulp.
She skulled her coffee before rushing to work.

Translations

Translations of the word "skull" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crânio

🇮🇳 खोपड़ी

🇩🇪 Schädel

🇮🇩 tengkorak

🇺🇦 череп

🇵🇱 czaszka

🇯🇵 頭蓋骨 (ずがいこつ)

🇫🇷 crâne

🇪🇸 cráneo

🇹🇷 kafatası

🇰🇷 두개골 (dugaegol)

🇸🇦 جمجمة (jumjuma)

🇨🇿 lebka

🇸🇰 lebka

🇨🇳 头骨 (tóugǔ)

🇸🇮 lobanja

🇮🇸 höfuðkúpa

🇰🇿 бассүйек

🇬🇪 თავის ქალა (tavis qala)

🇦🇿 kəllə

🇲🇽 cráneo

Word origin

The word 'skull' has its origins in Old English 'scylu', which referred to the skull or head of a human or animal. The word has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning over the centuries, continuing to refer to the bony structure that encases the brain. The skull has also been used symbolically in various cultures to represent death, danger, or rebellion. In informal contexts, the verb 'skull' has taken on the meaning of drinking something quickly. Overall, the word 'skull' has a long history of representing both the anatomical and symbolic aspects of the head.