cerebellum

noun

cer·​e·​bel·​lum ˌser-ə-ˈbe-ləm How to pronounce cerebellum (audio)
ˌse-rə-
plural cerebellums or cerebella ˌser-ə-ˈbe-lə How to pronounce cerebellum (audio)
ˌse-rə-
: a large dorsally projecting part of the brain concerned especially with the coordination of muscles and the maintenance of bodily equilibrium, situated between the brain stem and the back of the cerebrum, and formed in humans of two lateral lobes and a median lobe see brain illustration
cerebellar adjective

Examples of cerebellum 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.
Today, modern birds use their cerebellum as their spacial control center. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024 Her freshman year at USC was cut short in October 2023 after having emergency surgery to remove a large medulloblastoma — a type of malignant tumor — in her cerebellum. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 In October of last year, the 20-year-old underwent an emergency surgery to remove a tumor in her cerebellum. EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 In October 2023, Isabella was hospitalized and underwent an emergency surgery to remove a large medulloblastoma — a type of malignant tumor — in her cerebellum. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cerebellum 

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin, diminutive of cerebrum

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cerebellum was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near cerebellum

Cite this Entry

“Cerebellum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cerebellum. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cerebellum

noun
cer·​e·​bel·​lum ˌser-ə-ˈbel-əm How to pronounce cerebellum (audio)
plural cerebellums or cerebella -ˈbel-ə How to pronounce cerebellum (audio)
: a large portion of the back part of the brain that is concerned especially with the action of groups of muscles and with bodily balance

Medical Definition

cerebellum

noun
cer·​e·​bel·​lum ˌser-ə-ˈbel-əm How to pronounce cerebellum (audio)
plural cerebellums or cerebella -ˈbel-ə How to pronounce cerebellum (audio)
: a large dorsally projecting part of the brain concerned especially with the coordination of muscles and the maintenance of bodily equilibrium, situated between the brain stem and the back of the cerebrum and formed in humans of two lateral lobes and a median lobe

More from Merriam-Webster on cerebellum

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