forebrain

noun

fore·​brain ˈfȯr-ˌbrān How to pronounce forebrain (audio)
: 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, telencephalon

Examples of forebrain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for forebrain 

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forebrain was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near forebrain

Cite this Entry

“Forebrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forebrain. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

forebrain

noun
fore·​brain ˈfō(ə)r-brān How to pronounce forebrain (audio)
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 How to pronounce forebrain (audio)
: 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, telencephalon

More from Merriam-Webster on forebrain

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