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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
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
Research from the University of Tübingen have demonstrated crows are capable of counting out loud up to four, a skill likely attributed to their particularly large forebrain which is typically linked with statistical reasoning.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 4 July 2024
Given the circuits in their forebrain and vocal tract muscles, some animals do learn human sounds.
—T. Nelson Thompson, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 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 24 Nov. 2024.
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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