skull

[skuhl]

noun

1. the bony framework of the head, enclosing the brain and supporting the face; the skeleton of the head.

2. the head as the center of knowledge and understanding; mind.

   to get literature's great ideas through our skulls.

3. Armor.,  the part of a helmet that covers the top of the head.

skull

/ skʌl /

noun

1. the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates See cranium

2. derogatory,  the head regarded as the mind or intelligence

   to have a dense skull

3. a picture of a skull used to represent death or danger

skull

1. The part of the skeleton that forms the framework of the head, consisting of the bones of the cranium, which protect the brain, and the bones of the face.

2. See more at skeleton

Other Word Forms

• skull-less adjective
• skull-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skull¹

1175–1225; Middle English scolle < Old Norse skalli

Word History and Origins

Origin of skull¹

C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse skoltr, Norwegian skult, Swedish dialect skulle

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. out of one's skull, crazy; demented.

Example Sentences

Or at least that was Kassem's assumption, based on the skull.

From BBC

The handover of King Toera's skull - and those of two other members of his court - took place at a ceremony at the culture ministry in Paris.

From BBC

The exercise of reconstructing faces of the 2,500-year-old skulls has revealed clues that can answer at least one part of this question.

From BBC

When he was taken to the magistrate, the man went on to produce a human skull from his bag as evidence.

From BBC

Universidad de Chile say 16 of the 19 supporters hospitalised have been discharged, while a fan in life-threatening condition remains in intensive care but has "significantly improved" after having surgery for a skull fracture.

From BBC

Related Words

• cranium 
• scalp