Definition

1. Noun:
   • A numerical ratio expressed as a percentage: Specifically, the cranial index is calculated by dividing the maximum breadth (width) of a human skull by its maximum length, then multiplying the result by 100. It is a metric used in craniometry and anthropology to classify skull shapes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The anthropologist calculated the cranial index to determine the skull's classification.
  • A high cranial index indicates a brachycephalic (short and broad) skull shape.

Advanced Usage

• In Anthropological Typology: The cranial index is a key measurement for categorizing skulls into types such as dolichocephalic (long-headed), mesocephalic (medium-headed), and brachycephalic (broad-headed).
  • The study used the cranial index to compare populations from different geographic regions.

Variants and Related Words

• Cephalic Index: A synonymous term, often used interchangeably with "cranial index."
  • The cephalic index is also used in studies of human variation.
• Craniometry: (n) The scientific measurement of skulls.
  • Craniometry involves various measurements, including the cranial index.

Synonyms

• Cephalic Index: The ratio of the head's width to its length.
• Breadth-Length Index: A descriptive term for the same measurement.

Related Phrases

• To calculate the cranial index: To perform the mathematical operation to determine this ratio.
  • The first step is to measure the skull accurately to calculate the cranial index.

Noun

1. ratio (in percent) of the maximum breadth to the maximum length of a skull