trephination

n. a surgical procedure in which a disk of bone is removed from the skull with a circular instrument (a trephine) having a sawlike edge. On the basis of evidence found in skulls of Neolithic humans, trephining is believed to be one of the oldest types of surgery. Among the numerous conjectural reasons given for the practice is that it was a treatment for headaches, infections, skull fractures, convulsions, mental disorders, or supposed demonic possession. Also called trepanation. —trephine vb.

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Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

perspective

1. the ability to view objects, events, and ideas in realistic proportions and relationships.

2. the ability to interpret relative position, size, and distance of objects in a plane surface as if they were three-dimensional.

3. the capacity of an individual to take into account and potentially understand the perceptions, attitudes, or behaviors of himself or herself and of other individuals.

4. a particular way of looking at events or situations: a stance or philosophical position.