What does fontanel mean?
A fontanel, also known as a fontanelle, is a soft, fibrous gap in a baby's skull where the bones have not yet fused together. This normal and temporary opening allows for flexibility during birth and rapid brain growth during infancy. As the child grows, the fontanel gradually closes, and the bones of the skull come together. The term is often used in medical and parenting contexts to describe a normal and healthy feature of infant development. Understanding fontanels is important for monitoring a baby's health and development.
nounA fontanel is a soft spot in a baby's skull where the bones have not yet come together. It is a normal and temporary gap in the skull that usually closes as the child grows.
- A soft spot in a baby's skull
- A similar anatomical structure
"The pediatrician checked the baby's fontanel to ensure it was healthy and not sunken."
"The doctor examined the infant's fontanel to check for signs of dehydration."
"The fontanel is a normal feature of infant development."
The plural form fontanels is used when referring to multiple soft spots in a baby's skull.
"The doctor examined the infant's fontanels to check for signs of dehydration."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fontanel
The word fontanel originates from the French language, where it is spelled fontanelle. It is derived from the Old French word fontaine, meaning 'fountain' or 'spring', likely due to the fontanel's resemblance to a small, soft opening. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the soft spots in a baby's skull.
Usage notes
The term fontanel is often used interchangeably with fontanelle. In medical contexts, fontanelle is more commonly used.