Encephalometer

/ɛnˌsɛfəˈlɑmətər/ noun

Definition

A medical instrument designed to measure the size, shape, or other physical properties of the brain or skull.

Etymology

From Greek enkephalos (brain) + metron (measure). The -meter suffix appears in hundreds of scientific instruments (thermometer, speedometer, barometer) and always indicates a measuring device.

Kelly Says

Before modern MRI and CT scans existed, doctors actually used physical encephalometers to measure skulls to estimate brain size—this practice was unfortunately abused in pseudoscientific racism during the 1800s.

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