cephalon
|ce-pha-lon|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɛfəlɑn/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɛfəlɒn/
head (anatomical segment)
Etymology
'cephalon' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kephalē' (κεφαλή), where 'kephal-' meant 'head'.
'cephalon' changed from New Latin 'cephalon' adapted from Greek 'kephalē' and entered scientific English as a technical term for 'head' in zoology and anatomy.
Initially it meant 'head' in the literal Greek sense; over time it has retained that core meaning while becoming specialized to denote particular head segments (e.g., in arthropods) or used as a technical term and a company name.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the head section (cephalic region) of certain arthropods (notably trilobites), the anterior body segment bearing eyes, antennae, and mouthparts.
The trilobite's cephalon preserved detailed compound eyes and facial sutures.
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Noun 2
the head of an animal or organism in a more general anatomical sense; sometimes used in descriptive zoology to denote the head region.
In some crustaceans the cephalon is fused with the thorax to form a cephalothorax.
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Noun 3
a proper noun: Cephalon, Inc., an American biopharmaceutical company (company name).
Cephalon was known for developing and marketing neurological and oncology treatments before being acquired.
Last updated: 2026/01/09 19:05