cephalization

noun

ceph·​a·​li·​za·​tion ˌse-fə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce cephalization (audio)
: a tendency in the evolution of organisms to concentrate the sensory and neural organs in an anterior head

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cephalization was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near cephalization

Cite this Entry

“Cephalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cephalization. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

cephalization

noun
ceph·​a·​li·​za·​tion
variants or British cephalisation
: an evolutionary tendency to specialization of the body with concentration of sensory and neural organs in an anterior head

More from Merriam-Webster on cephalization

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!