What does hydrocephalous mean?
Hydrocephalous is a formal medical adjective describing a person, animal, or condition affected by hydrocephalus, in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the brain. The condition can produce increased pressure within the skull and, particularly in infants, an enlarged head. The adjective is more commonly encountered in specialist medical literature than in everyday conversation, where “hydrocephalic” is often used instead. It is related to the more familiar noun “hydrocephalus” and is occasionally encountered in descriptions of congenital or acquired forms of the disorder. Because the term is specialized and can appear in historical texts, it is useful to recognize its precise meaning rather than assume it is a general term for any form of head enlargement or brain swelling.
adjectiveHaving or relating to hydrocephalus, a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the brain, often causing increased pressure and enlargement of the head.
- Affected by hydrocephalus.
- Relating to or involving hydrocephalus.
"The medical team closely monitored the hydrocephalous infant."
"The hydrocephalous patient required urgent specialist care."
"The article discusses a rare complication associated with a hydrocephalous condition."
Hydrocephalous comes from Greek words for “water” and “head,” reflecting the historical description of fluid accumulating within the skull.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hydrocephalous come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from Greek hydro-, meaning “water,” and kephalē, meaning “head.” Its development follows the same Greek elements found in hydrocephalus and hydrocephalic, all referring to the accumulation of fluid within the cranial cavity. The compound structure reflects an older medical tradition that described the condition in terms of water or fluid in the head.
How hydrocephalous is actually used
This is a formal, medical adjective. In contemporary clinical writing, “hydrocephalic” or “affected by hydrocephalus” is often more common.