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cabezal means headrest — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 29, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

cabezal

noun • /[ka-be-SAL]/

headrest

Example:

El cabezal sostiene la cabeza.

The headrest supports the head.

🧠 What does cabezal mean?

The term 'cabezal' in a medical context refers to a headrest or a head support. This can be a component of medical equipment, such as an examination table or a dental chair, designed to comfortably support a patient's head. It can also refer to a specialized device used for positioning the head during certain medical procedures or therapies, ensuring stability and patient comfort. In some rehabilitation settings, a cabezal might be part of equipment used for physical therapy or to aid in neck alignment.

📚 Extra examples

  • El fisioterapeuta ajustó el cabezal de la camilla para mayor comodidad del paciente.
    The physical therapist adjusted the headrest of the examination table for the patient's greater comfort.
  • Asegúrese de que el cabezal de la silla dental esté limpio antes de cada paciente.
    Ensure the headrest of the dental chair is clean before each patient.
  • Se utiliza un cabezal especializado para mantener la cabeza del paciente inmóvil durante la resonancia magnética.
    A specialized headrest is used to keep the patient's head still during the MRI.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'cabezal' derives from 'cabeza', the Spanish word for 'head', emphasizing its function of supporting the head.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cabezal"

Synonyms: reposacabezas, respaldo de cabeza

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'headrest' in Spanish?
The most common Spanish translation for 'headrest' is 'cabezal'.
How do you pronounce 'cabezal' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'cabezal' is kah-beh-SAHL. The 'c' before 'a' is a hard 'k' sound, the 'z' is like the 's' in 'sun', and the stress is on the final syllable.
How do you use 'cabezal' in a sentence?
'Cabezal' is used to refer to the part of an object that supports the head. For example, 'El cabezal de la cama es muy cómodo' (The headrest of the bed is very comfortable) or 'El médico ajustó el cabezal del sillón' (The doctor adjusted the headrest of the chair).
What is the English translation of 'cabezal'?
The primary English translation of 'cabezal' is 'headrest'. It can also sometimes refer to a header or a headpiece depending on the context.
Does 'cabezal' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'cabezal' is a masculine noun. As a singular noun, it is 'el cabezal'. In the plural form, it becomes 'los cabezales'.
Is 'cabezal' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'cabezal' is a common word used in everyday Spanish when referring to the headrest of furniture like beds, sofas, or chairs. In medical contexts, it is also frequently used for equipment.
Does 'cabezal' have slang or double meanings?
In its standard usage, 'cabezal' does not typically have slang or double meanings. Its meaning is generally straightforward, referring to a head support or headrest.
Is 'cabezal' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'cabezal' are largely consistent across Spain and Latin America when referring to a headrest or head support. Regional variations in specific types of furniture or medical equipment might lead to slight contextual differences, but the core meaning remains the same.

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