occipital bone

noun

: a compound bone that forms the posterior part of the skull and bears a condyle by which the skull articulates with the atlas

Examples of occipital bone 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.
The occipital bone is at the back of the birthing person's body, so the fetus is facing forward. Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2024 This allows the hair to be positioned just above the occipital bone, enhancing the cheekbones and chin. Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of occipital bone was in 1679

Dictionary Entries Near occipital bone

Cite this Entry

“Occipital bone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occipital%20bone. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

occipital bone

noun
: a compound bone that forms the back part of the skull

Medical Definition

occipital bone

noun
: a compound bone that forms the posterior part of the skull and surrounds the foramen magnum, bears the condyles for articulation with the atlas, is composed of four united elements, is much curved and roughly trapezoidal in outline, ends in front of the foramen magnum in the basilar process, and bears on its external surface behind the foramen magnum the two curved transverse superior and inferior nuchal lines as well as the median external occipital crest and external occipital protuberance

More from Merriam-Webster on occipital bone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!