cranial

adjective

cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the skull or cranium
2
cranially adverb

Examples of cranial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These cranial reinforcements helped distribute stress efficiently across the skull, enabling powerful, marrow-extracting bites. Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 Cabral said Jason still needs a cranial plate to replace a section of his skull on the left side of his head that was removed to treat his injuries. Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025 From there, a person can develop confusion, encephalopathy, seizure, cranial neuropathy, or eye problems. Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025 Deal turned to alternative therapies, seeking help from both a chiropractor and a cranial sacral massage therapist. Ashley Vega, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cranial

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cranial was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Cranial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cranial. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cranial

adjective
cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
: of, relating to, or directed toward the skull or cranium

Medical Definition

cranial

adjective
cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl How to pronounce cranial (audio)
1
: of or relating to the skull or cranium
2
: cephalic
the cranial end of the spinal column
cranially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cranial

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