fontanel

noun

fon·​ta·​nel ˌfän-tə-ˈnel How to pronounce fontanel (audio)
ˈfän-tə-ˌnel
variants or fontanelle
: a membrane-covered opening in bone or between bones
specifically : any of the spaces closed by membranous structures between the uncompleted angles of the parietal bones and the neighboring bones of a fetal or young skull

Examples of fontanel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are two fontanels—one in the back of the head and one in the front. Denise Schipani, Parents, 22 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fontanel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fontinelle a bodily hollow or pit, from Anglo-French funtainele, diminutive of funtaine fountain

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fontanel was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near fontanel

Cite this Entry

“Fontanel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fontanel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fontanel

noun
fon·​ta·​nel
variants also fontanelle
ˌfänt-ə-ˈnel How to pronounce fontanel (audio)
ˈfänt-ə-ˌ
: a membrane-covered opening between the bones of the skull of a fetus or infant

Medical Definition

fontanel

noun
fon·​ta·​nel
variants or fontanelle
: a membrane-covered opening in bone or between bones
specifically : any of the spaces closed by membranous structures between the uncompleted angles of the parietal bones and the neighboring bones of a fetal or young skull

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