Genion
/ˈdʒiː.ni.ən/noun
The most prominent point on the front of the lower jaw, used as a reference point in craniometry.
Did you know?In forensic anthropology and orthodontics, the genion helps measure skull proportions and reconstruct facial structure from skeletal remains.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵénh₂us
“Jaw or chin; a reconstructed ancestral form associated with the front of the lower face.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γένυς (génys)
“Jaw or chin.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γένειον (géneion)
“The chin; the area of the lower face.”
Late 19th Century
Scientific English
genion
“A craniometric landmark at the most anterior-inferior point of the mandible.”
Modern English
English
genion
“The prominent point of the chin used in anatomical and anthropological measurement.”