cephalic index: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+Technical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “cephalic index” mean?
A numerical measure of the shape of a human skull, calculated as the maximum breadth multiplied by 100 divided by the maximum length.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A numerical measure of the shape of a human skull, calculated as the maximum breadth multiplied by 100 divided by the maximum length.
A metric in physical anthropology and craniometry used to classify skulls into categories like dolichocephalic (long), mesocephalic (medium), or brachycephalic (broad).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling. The pronunciation of the first syllable of 'cephalic' may vary slightly: /sɪ/ vs /sə/.
Connotations
In modern discourse, the term carries historical baggage due to its past misuse in discredited racial typology and eugenics studies.
Frequency
Identically low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “cephalic index” in a Sentence
The cephalic index [V: is/measures/indicates] [Number].Researchers [V: calculated/used/analysed] the cephalic index.A [ADJ: high/low] cephalic index suggests...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cephalic index” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cephalic-index data were collated in a new study.
American English
- The cephalic-index data was collated in a new study.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primarily used in anthropology, human biology, archaeology, and forensic science journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Central term in craniometric analysis, osteology, and physical anthropology reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cephalic index”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cephalic index”
- Incorrect: 'The cephalic index is a bone.' (It's a number, not an object) | Incorrect pronunciation: /keɪˈfælɪk/ | Using it as a general synonym for 'skull'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A high cephalic index (typically above 81) indicates a relatively broad skull, classified as brachycephalic.
As a descriptive metric for skeletal remains in archaeology and forensics, yes. Its use for classifying living populations or making inferences about race is now widely rejected as oversimplified and historically misused.
It is calculated as: (Maximum Skull Breadth / Maximum Skull Length) × 100.
They are often used interchangeably. Strictly, 'cephalic' relates to the head, while 'cranial' relates specifically to the skull. In practice, both refer to the same measurement of the skull.
A numerical measure of the shape of a human skull, calculated as the maximum breadth multiplied by 100 divided by the maximum length.
Cephalic index is usually technical/specialist in register.
Cephalic index: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈfæl.ɪk ˈɪn.deks/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈfæl.ɪk ˈɪn.deks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CEPHALOPOD (octopus) wrapping its head. The CEPHALIC INDEX measures the HEAD (cephalo-) shape, like an INDEX (ratio).
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE IS A NUMBER; CLASSIFICATION IS A SPECTRUM (from long to broad).
Practice
Quiz
The cephalic index is primarily used in which field?