The term craniomalacia can be broken down into its Greek roots to understand its meaning. The word is derived from two parts: ‘cranio-‘ and ‘-malacia’.
The prefix cranio- comes from the Greek word ‘kranion’, meaning ‘skull’. This indicates that the term relates to the skull or cranium.
The suffix -malacia comes from the Greek word ‘malakia’, meaning ‘softness’. In medical terminology, it often refers to the softening of tissues.
Putting these elements together, craniomalacia literally means ‘softening of the skull’. This condition can refer to a pathological state where the bones of the skull become softer than normal, which can lead to various health concerns.