Early 19th century; earliest use found in London Literary Gazette. From scientific Latin acephalus (of a fetus) headless, specific use of classical Latin acephalus.
Definition of acephalus in US English:
acephalus
noun
Medicine
A fetus affected with acephaly.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in London Literary Gazette. From scientific Latin acephalus (of a fetus) headless, specific use of classical Latin acephalus.