brain stem

noun

: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum

Examples of brain stem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When people play, their limbic system — the part of the brain involved in behavioral and emotional responses — and the brain stem open to new connections and stimulation, providing critical brain nourishment, Brown said. Julianna Bragg, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025 Nick Bradley’s tests come back as expected — there is no brain stem function — and Robby can no longer delay the inevitable. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025 Like Mason noted, the ABC Sports control room (the brain stem of the operation, so-to-speak) was the key aspect of the entire film, whose success hinged on a convincing recreation. Josh Weiss, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Some other examples include lung diseases such as pneumonia, metabolic disorders such as hypocalcemia, kidney diseases like renal cell carcinoma, and hiccups can also be a symptom of tumors in the brain stem or stomach. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for brain stem

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brain stem was in 1874

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Cite this Entry

“Brain stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20stem. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

brain stem

noun
: the back and lower part of the brain including the midbrain and medulla oblongata

Medical Definition

brain stem

noun
: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum

More from Merriam-Webster on brain stem

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