fontanel
noun
fon·ta·nel
ˌfän-tə-ˈnel 
ˈfän-tə-ˌnel
variants
or fontanelle
: a membrane-covered opening in bone or between bones
specifically
: any of the spaces closed by membranous structures between the uncompleted angles of the parietal bones and the neighboring bones of a fetal or young skull
Examples of fontanel in a Sentence
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There are two fontanels—one in the back of the head and one in the front.
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Denise Schipani, Parents, 22 June 2023
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Denise Schipani, Parents, 22 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Fontanel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fontanel. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fontanel
noun
fon·ta·nel
variants
also fontanelle
ˌfänt-ə-ˈnel
ˈfänt-ə-ˌ
: a membrane-covered opening between the bones of the skull of a fetus or infant
Medical Definition
fontanel
noun
fon·ta·nel
variants
or fontanelle
: a membrane-covered opening in bone or between bones
specifically
: any of the spaces closed by membranous structures between the uncompleted angles of the parietal bones and the neighboring bones of a fetal or young skull
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