Dolichocephalic

/ˌdɒlɪkoʊˈsɛfəlɪk/ adjective

Definition

Having a long, narrow skull with a length-to-width ratio greater than 80, characteristic of certain human populations and some animals.

Etymology

From Greek 'dolichOS' (long) and 'kephalē' (head), combining form used in anthropology since the 19th century to describe skull shape variations among human groups.

Kelly Says

Scientists used to categorize entire populations as 'dolichocephalic' or 'brachycephalic,' but we now know skull shape varies widely within groups and doesn't determine intelligence, capability, or worth—a humbling reminder of how biological classifications can be misused.

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