microcephalus
Definition
Noun: 1. A congenital condition characterized by an abnormally small head and incomplete brain development: "Microcephalus" is a medical term for a severe birth defect where the circumference of an infant's head is significantly smaller than average for their age and sex, typically due to abnormal brain development.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The ultrasound revealed signs of microcephalus in the fetus.
- Microcephalus is often associated with significant developmental delays.
- The primary diagnostic criterion for microcephalus is a head circumference more than two standard deviations below the mean.
Advanced Usage
- "True microcephalus" vs. "secondary microcephalus": In medical literature, a distinction is sometimes made. "True" or "primary microcephalus" refers to a genetic or intrinsic defect in brain growth, while "secondary microcephalus" results from an external insult, such as an infection or lack of oxygen, that arrests brain development.
Variants and Related Words
- Microcephaly (n): This is the more commonly used term in modern medical contexts. It is synonymous with "microcephalus."
- Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly in newborns.
- Microcephalic (adj): Describing someone with microcephaly or the condition itself.
- The study focused on microcephalic disorders.
- Microcephalous (adj): An alternative adjective form.
- Normocephalic (adj): Having a normal head size; often used as an antonym in medical examinations.
Synonyms
- Microcephaly: The direct and most frequent synonym.
- Small skull anomaly: A descriptive, non-technical term.
Antonyms
- Macrocephaly (n): A condition characterized by an abnormally large head.
- Normocephaly (n): The state of having a head of normal size.
Noun
-
an abnormally small head and underdeveloped brain
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