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Definition of fontanelle

fontanelle

/ˌfɒn.təˈnɛl/
fon · ta · nelle
Plural:fontanelles
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fontanelle Lexical Profile

fontanelle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A soft, membrane-covered space between the cranial bones of an infant or fetus that eventually ossifies as the skull matures.

Example

"The pediatrician gently palpated the newborn's anterior fontanelle to ensure the skull was developing normally."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fontanelle

• Rhymes for fontanelle

• Nearby Words

fondue
font
fontana
fontanelle
fontina
food
foodbank

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French 'fontanelle', a diminutive of Old French 'fontaine' (fountain or spring), from Late Latin 'fontana'. The anatomical feature was named by analogy with a small spring because the rhythmic pulsation of blood vessels beneath the infant's membrane resembles bubbling water.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fontanelle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fontanelle
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