Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by an abnormally large head. It is distinguished from hydrocephalus by the absence of increased intracranial pressure and by symmetrical overgrowth of the head.

Usage

This is a technical, medical term used primarily in clinical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific physical condition. It is not used in everyday conversation.

Examples

• The pediatrician noted signs of megalocephaly during the infant's routine check-up.
• Megalocephaly can sometimes be associated with certain genetic syndromes.
• The diagnosis was megalocephaly, not hydrocephalus, as the scans showed no pressure buildup.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used descriptively in differential diagnosis to contrast with other conditions causing a large head, such as hydrocephalus.
• It can be modified by adjectives, e.g., , .

Variants and Related Words

• Megacephaly (noun): A synonymous, alternative spelling for megalocephaly.
• Macrocephaly (noun): A broader term for an abnormally large head, which can encompass both megalocephaly and conditions like hydrocephalus. Megalocephaly is often considered a type of macrocephaly.
• Megalocephalic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by megalocephaly.
  • The study focused on megalocephalic patients.

Synonyms

• Megacephaly
• Macrocephaly (in a general sense)

Antonyms

• Microcephaly (an abnormally small head)

Noun

1. an abnormally large head; differs from hydrocephalus because there is no increased intracranial pressure and the overgrowth is symmetrical