skull
/skʌl/
Definition
Noun: 1. The bony structure that forms the head and encloses the brain in vertebrates. It is the framework of the head, consisting of the cranium and the mandible (jawbone). 2. (Informal) The head or mind, often referring to intellectual capacity. This usage is figurative and often appears in idiomatic expressions.
Usage and Examples
Literal, anatomical meaning:
- The skull protects the brain from injury.
- Archaeologists discovered a fossilized dinosaur skull.
- A CT scan showed a fracture at the base of the skull.
Figurative, informal meaning (head or mind):
- I can't get that song out of my skull. (Meaning: out of my head)
- He has a thick skull and never listens to advice. (Meaning: he is stubborn or slow to understand)
Advanced Usage and Idioms
- Skull session: An intense discussion or planning meeting.
- The team had a skull session to brainstorm ideas for the new project.
- Out of one's skull: (Slang) Crazy, insane, or very intoxicated.
- You must be out of your skull to try that dangerous stunt.
- Skull and crossbones: A symbol of a human skull with two crossed bones underneath it, traditionally used on pirate flags and as a warning sign for poison or danger.
- The bottle of cleaner had a skull and crossbones label on it.
Variants and Related Words
- Skullcap (noun): A small, close-fitting cap without a brim; also, the top part of the skull.
- Skullduggery (noun, also spelled ): Underhanded or unscrupulous behavior; deceitful trickery.
Synonyms
- Cranium (specifically refers to the part of the skull that encloses the brain).
- Head (general term; not specific to bone structure).
- Braincase.
Related Phrases
- Thick skull: Used to describe someone who is stupid or very slow to understand.
- Empty skull: Used to describe someone who is foolish or lacks intelligence.
- Get something through someone's skull: To make someone understand something, often with difficulty.
- I finally got it through his skull that he needed to study to pass the exam.
Noun
-
the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates
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