craniometry
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The branch of physical anthropology dealing with the study and measurement of dry skulls after removal of its soft parts: Craniometry is a scientific discipline focused on measuring the skull to analyze its size, shape, and proportions.
Usage
- Craniometry is used primarily in anthropological and archaeological research to understand human variation, evolution, and population history.
- It involves taking precise measurements (e.g., of cranial capacity, length, breadth) from cleaned, dry skulls.
Examples
- Noun:
- The museum's anthropology department uses craniometry to compare ancient and modern human skulls.
- Early 20th-century craniometry was sometimes misused to support discredited racial theories.
Advanced Usage
- "to perform craniometry": to conduct the act of measuring skulls.
- The researcher traveled to the site to perform craniometry on the newly discovered remains.
Variants and Related Words
- Craniometric (adj): relating to craniometry.
- The craniometric data suggested a close relationship between the two populations.
- Craniometer (n): an instrument used for measuring the skull.
- The scientist used a specialized craniometer for the study.
Synonyms
- Cephalometry: measurement of the head (including living subjects). Note: While related, cephalometry often includes soft tissue and is used in different fields like orthodontics.
- Osteometry: the measurement of bones. Note: This is a broader term that includes all bones, not just the skull.
Word Origin
- From Greek (skull) + (measurement).
Noun
- the branch of physical anthropology dealing with the study and measurement of dry skulls after removal of its soft parts