occiput Hear it!

occiput Definition

oc·ci·put (äk′si put′, -pət)

noun pl. oc·cip·itaäk sip′i tə or -·puts′

the back part of the skull or head

Etymology: ME < MFr < L < ob- (see ob-) + caput, head

occiput Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

prominent: The skull is rather large and high in the dome, with a prominent occiput and a gradual stop.

Modifies a noun

  • posterior: Do you think that Freya was in the occiput posterior position, which would explain why your labor didn't progress faster?
  • anterior: The position is usually ' Left Occiput Anterior ' or LOA - occasionally the baby may be Right Occiput Anterior or ROA.