fontenelle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialized/Technical)Formal/Medical/Anatomical
Quick answer
What does “fontenelle” mean?
A soft membranous gap between the incompletely formed cranial bones of an infant's skull.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft membranous gap between the incompletely formed cranial bones of an infant's skull.
In a broader anatomical or figurative sense, any similar membranous or soft space in a structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'fontanelle' vs US 'fontanel'. Both refer to the same anatomical feature. The UK spelling with double 'l' is more common.
Connotations
Neutral medical term. No significant difference in connotation between regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used only in specific professional or educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “fontenelle” in a Sentence
The [adj] fontanelleto palpate the [noun's] fontanelleclosure of the [adj] fontanelleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fontenelle” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fontanelle examination is routine.
- Fontanelle tension was normal.
American English
- Fontanel assessment is crucial.
- The fontanel area felt soft.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, and biological texts and lectures.
Everyday
Used by parents, caregivers, and health visitors discussing infant development.
Technical
Core term in pediatrics, neonatology, and anatomy for assessing intracranial pressure and skull development.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fontenelle”
- Misspelling as 'fontenelle' or 'fontanel' (UK vs US confusion).
- Using plural 'fontanelles' incorrectly when referring to the single anterior feature.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈfɒn.teɪ.nɛl/ (incorrect stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The posterior fontanelle usually closes by 2-3 months. The larger anterior fontanelle typically closes between 12 and 18 months of age.
No, it is safe to touch gently. The fontanelle is protected by a tough membrane. Doctors and nurses palpate it routinely to assess health.
They allow for compression of the skull during birth and provide space for the rapid brain growth that occurs in the first years of life.
Both are correct. 'Fontanelle' is the standard British English spelling, while 'fontanel' is common in American English.
A soft membranous gap between the incompletely formed cranial bones of an infant's skull.
Fontenelle is usually formal/medical/anatomical in register.
Fontenelle: 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
Think of a 'font' as a spring or source, and '-elle' as small. The fontanelle is the small, soft 'source' or opening on a baby's head.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WINDOW (into the baby's brain/health), A SOFT SPOT (literal and figurative vulnerability).
Practice
Quiz
What does a 'sunken fontanelle' most commonly indicate in an infant?