Word
cranial
Phoneticscra·nial, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹeɪnjəɫ/
UK/kɹˈeɪnɪəl/
Definition
adj. relating to the head or the skull. You use this to describe things like bones, nerves, or injuries that happen in the head area.
adj. relating to the head or the skull. Often used in medical or anatomical contexts to describe structures or procedures involving the cranium.
Examples
“The doctor checked for any cranial injuries after the fall.”
“The patient underwent a cranial scan to ensure there were no fractures after the accident.”
“Cranial nerves are a set of twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem, providing sensory and motor functions to the head and neck.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor checked for any cranial injuries after the fall.”
contextual
“The patient underwent a cranial scan to ensure there were no fractures after the accident.”
complex
“Cranial nerves are a set of twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem, providing sensory and motor functions to the head and neck.”
Real-World Examples
“And because the jaw and the nervous system are so closely linked through the major cranial nerves, our muscles are triggered and we clench and grind our teeth.” Etymology
From cranium + -al. By surface analysis, crani- + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cranial