cranium

noun

Etymology: From Medieval Latin crānium (“skull”), from Ancient Greek κρᾱνίον (krāníon, “skull”). By surface analysis, crani- + -um.

1. That part of the skull consisting of the bones enclosing the brain, but not including the bones of the face or jaw.

   “The Skull is divided into two parts, the Cranium and the Face. The Cranium is composed of eight bones; […]”

   “‘I always ask leave, in the interests of science, to measure the crania of those going out there,’ he said.”

2. The upper portion of the skull, including the neurocranium and facial bones, but not including the jawbone (mandible).

   “In this study, the cranium recovered from the River Witham in Lincoln exhibited a black metallic staining on the surfaces of the teeth.”

3. Synonym of skull.