Basion
/ˈbeɪziən/noun
A craniometric landmark at the midpoint of the anterior margin of the foramen magnum at the base of the skull.
Did you know?Basion helps anthropologists and forensic specialists measure skull proportions and reconstruct biological characteristics from human remains.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷem-
“To go, come, or step; the ancient root associated with movement.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βαίνω (bainō)
“I go, walk, or step.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βάσις (basis)
“A step, footing, foundation, or base.”
19th Century
New Latin
basion
“An anatomical name formed from Greek basis for a landmark at the skull’s base.”
Modern English
English
basion
“The craniometric point at the anterior edge of the foramen magnum.”