a. Phys. [mod. f. Gr. ἀνεγκέφαλ-ος in Galen (f. ἀν priv. + ἐγκέφαλος brain, prop. adj. ‘within the head,’ f. ἐγ = ἐν in + κεφαλή head) + -OUS. Cf. Fr. anencéphale.] Brainless; wanting, or bereft of, the brain.
1836–39. Todd, Cycl. Anat. & Phys., II. 471/2. Congenital malformations, such as acephalous and anencephalous states.
1855. Bain, Senses & Intell., I. ii. § 20 (1864), 58. The Automatic actions … we have seen to go on in the decapitated or anencephalous animal.
