fontanelle

[fɒntəˈnɛl]

fontanelle Definition

  • 1a space between the bones of the skull in an infant or fetus, where ossification is not complete and the sutures not fully formed
  • 2a small fontanelle-like opening in some shells

Using fontanelle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fontanelle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The doctor checked the baby's fontanelle to make sure it was not sunken.

  • Example

    The fontanelle usually closes by the time the baby is 18 months old.

  • Example

    The turtle shell had a small fontanelle-like opening on the top.

fontanelle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fontanelle

  • soft spot
  • skull opening

Origins of fontanelle

from French 'fontanelle', diminutive of 'fontaine' meaning 'fountain'

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Summary: fontanelle in Brief

A 'fontanelle' [fɒntəˈnɛl] is a space between the bones of an infant's or fetus's skull where ossification is not complete and the sutures are not fully formed. It is also used to describe a small fontanelle-like opening in some shells. An example sentence is 'The doctor checked the baby's fontanelle to make sure it was not sunken.'