fontanel

noun

fon·​ta·​nel ˌfän-tə-ˈnel 

ˈfän-tə-ˌnel

variants or fontanelle

: a membrane-covered opening in bone or between bones

specifically : any of the spaces closed by membranous structures between the uncompleted angles of the parietal bones and the neighboring bones of a fetal or young skull

Examples of fontanel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are two fontanels—one in the back of the head and one in the front. —Denise Schipani, Parents, 22 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fontinelle a bodily hollow or pit, from Anglo-French funtainele, diminutive of funtaine fountain

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fontanel

noun

fon·​ta·​nel

variants also fontanelle

ˌfänt-ə-ˈnel 

ˈfänt-ə-ˌ

: a membrane-covered opening between the bones of the skull of a fetus or infant

Medical Definition

fontanel

noun

fon·​ta·​nel

variants or fontanelle

ˌfänt-ᵊn-ˈel, ˈfänt-ᵊn-ˌ 

: a membrane-covered opening in bone or between bones

specifically : any of the spaces closed by membranous structures between the uncompleted angles of the parietal bones and the neighboring bones of a fetal or young skull