Craniometer

/ˌkreɪniˈɑːmɪtər/ noun

Definition

A specialized measuring instrument used to measure skull dimensions and angles, particularly in anthropology and forensics.

Etymology

From Greek 'kranion' (skull) and 'metron' (measure). The -meter suffix indicates a measuring device.

Kelly Says

Anthropologists used these tools to measure skulls from different populations, though that 19th-century practice became associated with racism—a reminder that tools are only as ethical as how we use them.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.