chondrocranium

noun

chon·​dro·​cra·​ni·​um ˌkän-drō-ˈkrā-nē-əm How to pronounce chondrocranium (audio)
: the cartilaginous parts of an embryonic cranium
also : the part of the adult skull derived therefrom

Examples of chondrocranium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The researchers used a megalodon vertebral column from Belgium, a tooth from the United States, and the chondrocranium – the cartilaginous equivalent of a skull – from a great white shark to build their 3D skeleton. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 20 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

chondro- + cranium

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chondrocranium was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near chondrocranium

Cite this Entry

“Chondrocranium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chondrocranium. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

chondrocranium

noun
chon·​dro·​cra·​ni·​um ˌkän-drə-ˈkrā-nē-əm, -drō- How to pronounce chondrocranium (audio)
plural chondrocrania
: the embryonic cartilaginous cranium
also : the part of the adult skull derived therefrom compare osteocranium
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