brachycephalic

adjective

brachy·​ce·​phal·​ic ˌbra-ki-sə-ˈfa-lik How to pronounce brachycephalic (audio)
: short-headed or broad-headed with a cephalic index of over 80
brachycephaly noun

Examples of brachycephalic 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.
For example, brachycephalic breeds like pugs have difficulty breathing in hot climates, while short-haired breeds may struggle in colder climates. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The Nature study found that factors like a dog’s skull shape (brachycephalic, or short-nosed dogs), obesity, and age significantly increased risk of heatstroke. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 26 July 2024 Temperatures that may be safe for a young, healthy mutt, may be lethal for a senior, overweight, brachycephalic purebred like a bulldog. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 26 July 2024 Since four-year-old Frank was a brachycephalic, or short-nosed breed, and is more susceptible to overheating or respiratory distress, he was not allowed to fly in the cargo, and had to be in the cabin. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for brachycephalic 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin brachycephalus, from Greek brachy- + kephalē head — more at cephalic

First Known Use

circa 1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brachycephalic was circa 1852

Dictionary Entries Near brachycephalic

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

brachycephalic

adjective
brachy·​ce·​phal·​ic ˌbrak-i-sə-ˈfal-ik How to pronounce brachycephalic (audio)
: short-headed or broad-headed with a cephalic index of over 80
brachycephaly noun
plural brachycephalies
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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