# cranial

/ˈkɹeɪnjəɫ/ (US) · /kɹˈeɪnɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cranial
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

relating to the head or the skull. You use this to describe things like bones, nerves, or injuries that happen in the head area.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.