fontanel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical/Anatomical, Parenthood/Paediatric contexts.
Quick answer
What does “fontanel” mean?
A soft, membranous gap between the incompletely formed cranial bones of an infant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, membranous gap between the incompletely formed cranial bones of an infant.
In a broader sense, any membranous, unossified gap in the skeleton, but overwhelmingly used to refer to the 'soft spot' on a baby's head.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'fontanelle', American English uses 'fontanel'. Pronunciation differs accordingly.
Connotations
Identical in medical and parental contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse but standard in medical and paediatric communication in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “fontanel” in a Sentence
The + [adjective] + fontanel + [verb]to palpate/check/examine + [possessive] + fontanelVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fontanel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The suture will eventually fontanelle (non-standard, extremely rare).
American English
- The bones fontanel (non-standard, extremely rare).
adjective
British English
- The fontanellar area was examined (medical).
American English
- The fontanel region was examined (medical).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and anthropological texts discussing human infant development.
Everyday
Used by parents, paediatricians, and health visitors discussing a baby's health.
Technical
A precise anatomical term in paediatrics, neonatology, and forensic anthropology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fontanel”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fontanel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fontanel”
- Misspelling: 'fontanelle' in US context or 'fontanel' in UK context is considered a spelling error, though understandable.
- Mispronunciation: Stressing the first syllable (/ˈfɒn.tə.nɛl/) instead of the third (/ˌfɒn.təˈnɛl/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is protected by a tough membranous layer. Gentle touching during washing or hair care is safe.
The posterior fontanel closes by about 2 months. The larger anterior fontanel typically closes between 9 and 18 months of age.
It is often a sign of dehydration and requires medical attention.
A fontanel is a wide, membranous gap between skull bones. A suture is the fibrous joint where bones are closely opposed but not yet fused; fontanels are located at the intersections of major sutures.
A soft, membranous gap between the incompletely formed cranial bones of an infant.
Fontanel is usually medical/anatomical, parenthood/paediatric contexts. in register.
Fontanel: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɒn.təˈnɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɑːn.təˈnɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'font' (a source) on a baby's 'nel' (a contraction of 'knell' as in a bell). The soft spot is like a font where you can see the pulse, a delicate area needing care.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HEAD IS A CONTAINER (with a soft, vulnerable opening); DEVELOPMENT IS CLOSURE (the fontanel closes as the child grows).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'fontanel'?