noun

hydrocephalus

hy-droh-SEF-uh-luhs

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Hydrocephalus (noun) means a usually congenital condition in which fluid builds up abnormally in the brain's fluid-filled cavities, enlarging the skull and pressing on and damaging the brain. Example: “The baby was diagnosed with hydrocephalus shortly after birth.”

noun

medicine A usually congenital condition in which fluid builds up abnormally in the brain's fluid-filled cavities, enlarging the skull and pressing on and damaging the brain.

"The baby was diagnosed with hydrocephalus shortly after birth."

"Surgeons fitted a shunt to drain fluid and relieve the child's hydrocephalus."

"Untreated hydrocephalus can cause serious damage to the brain."

How to use hydrocephalus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHydrocephalus is a medical term for a dangerous build-up of fluid around the brain.

When to use it

Hydrocephalus is a formal medical term, not something used in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Splitting the word into hydro- (water) and cephalus (head) helps you remember what it describes.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

hydrocele

Common pairings

diagnosed with hydrocephalus treat hydrocephalus congenital hydrocephalus hydrocephalus shunt

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “hydrocephalus” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The baby was diagnosed with _____ shortly after birth.

Etymology

Hydrocephalus was borrowed from Ancient Greek hudroképhalon, a term built from the ideas of water and head.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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water on the brain hydrocephaly

Rhymes for hydrocephalus

Daedalus

See all rhymes for hydrocephalus →

Frequently asked questions

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition in which fluid builds up abnormally in the brain's fluid-filled cavities, enlarging the skull and pressing on the brain.

Is hydrocephalus the same as water on the brain?

Yes, water on the brain is an informal name for hydrocephalus.

Is hydrocephalus present from birth?

It is usually congenital, meaning it is typically present from birth.

What is the meaning of hydrocephalus?

"hydrocephalus" (noun) means a usually congenital condition in which fluid builds up abnormally in the brain's fluid-filled cavities, enlarging the skull and pressing on and damaging the brain.