acephalia

/əsɛfˈɛliə/

Definitions

1. noun

A condition or disease in which the head or the brain is abnormal, or the head is absent.

“The study of a rare case of acephalia led to new insights into human development.”

2. noun

A headless or brainless creature or organism, especially in embryonic development.

“The acephalia of the insect larva was a crucial stage in its metamorphosis.”

Synonyms

  • anencephaly
  • headlessness

Antonyms

  • cephalization
  • cephalopodia