cranial

adjective

cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl 

1

: of or relating to the skull or cranium

2

: cephalic

cranially

ˈkrā-nē-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of cranial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That suggests these cranial structures were likely used for feeling out their deep, dark environment rather than capturing prey. —Christie Wilcox, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024

Nearly one year ago in December 2023, Hayley sustained a cranial hematoma while dancing on tour. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Upgrade your current cranial protection policy with POC’s Obex BC Mips helmet, currently available for up to 50% off at Backcountry. —Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 2024

Payne died of multiple traumas, internal and external bleeding, and a cranial injury as a result of his fall from the third story of the CasaSur hotel in Palermo on Oct 16. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cranial

• cranial index
• cranial nerve
• ninth cranial nerve

Kids Definition

cranial

adjective

cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl 

: of, relating to, or directed toward the skull or cranium

Medical Definition

cranial

adjective

cra·​ni·​al ˈkrā-nē-əl 

1

: of or relating to the skull or cranium

2

: cephalic

the cranial end of the spinal column

cranially

-ə-lē 

adverb