Definition

1. Noun:
   • The part of the skull that encloses the brain; the cranium: "brainpan" refers specifically to the bony structure forming the rounded part of the skull that contains and protects the brain.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The forensic anthropologist examined the ancient brainpan to determine the cause of death.
  • A severe blow to the head can fracture the brainpan.

Advanced Usage

• "brainpan" is a somewhat archaic or technical term, more commonly replaced by "cranium" or "skull" in modern medical and everyday contexts. It can be used for literary or dramatic effect.
  • The idea rattled around in his brainpan for days before he acted on it. (Here, "brainpan" is used metaphorically to mean "mind" or "head," emphasizing a physical container for thoughts.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cranium (n): The skull, especially the part enclosing the brain. This is the standard medical term.
• Skull (n): The bony framework of the head, enclosing the brain and supporting the face. This is a more general term.

Synonyms

• Cranium
• Skull

Related Phrases

• Thick brainpan: An informal phrase implying someone is stupid or slow to understand.
  • You'd have to have a thick brainpan not to see the obvious solution.

Noun

1. the part of the skull that encloses the brain