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forebrain
noun
fore·brain
ˈfȯr-ˌbrān
: the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and that especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions
called also prosencephalon
compare diencephalon, telencephalonExamples of forebrain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In September 2024, these miniature pollutants were also discovered in the human olfactory bulb, a type of brain tissue that sits above the nose in the forebrain.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
After many tests and scans, Storm was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a right forebrain lesion.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Humans have two olfactory bulbs located in the forebrain, which are connected to each nasal cavity by the olfactory nerve.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024
The heart starts beating faster, increasing blood flow to the muscles, heart, and other vital organs, while restricting the blood cells in our forebrain.
—Finnian Kelly, TIME, 8 July 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1879, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near forebrain
Cite this Entry
“Forebrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forebrain. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
forebrain
noun
fore·brain
ˈfō(ə)r-brān
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: the front division of the embryonic brain of a vertebrate animal or the parts developed from it
Medical Definition
forebrain
noun
fore·brain
-ˌbrān
: the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and that especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions
called also prosencephalon
see diencephalon, telencephalonMore from Merriam-Webster on forebrain
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about forebrain
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