beloid

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek βέλος (bélos, “arrow, dart”) + -oid.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈbiˌlɔɪd/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈbiːlɔɪd/, /ˈbɛlɔɪd/

Adjective

beloid (comparative more beloid, superlative most beloid)

1. (especially zoology, anthropology, rare) Resembling an arrow, particularly in having a narrow and pointed shape; arrowlike.
   • 1987, Ahmed Osman, Stranger in the Valley of the Kings, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Row, Publishers, →ISBN, pages 124–125:

     In norma verticalis his cranium is distinctly ovoid, almost beloid, i.e. it is not broad enough to permit us to state definitely that it is not Egyptian, although its shape is by no means a common one in the pure Egyptian.

   • 2005, L. E. Modesitt, Jr., The Eternity Artifact, New York, N.Y.: Tor Books, →ISBN, page 222:

     I managed a slight nod. Even that sent paroxysms of beloid agony through my neck and throat.

Related terms

• belomancy