hippocampus

noun

hip·​po·​cam·​pus ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-pəs 

plural hippocampi ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-ˌpī  -(ˌ)pē 

: a curved elongated ridge that extends over the floor of the descending horn of each lateral ventricle of the brain, that consists of gray matter covered on the ventricular surface with white matter, and that is involved in forming, storing, and processing memory

hippocampal

ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-pəl 

adjective

Examples of hippocampus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Share [Findings] Scientists trained subjects to exercise control over a single neuron, linked the hippocampus to regret, and concluded that humans smell in stereo. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Combining exercise and fasting in his lab led to better brain functioning in the hippocampus, critical for learning and memory, than either stressor alone. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024

This tiny mass of tissue interprets all the sensory info coming from your nose and is directly connected to the amygdala, which processes emotions, and the hippocampus, which forms and retrieves memories, Dr. Parma explains. —Lauren Mazzo, SELF, 8 Oct. 2024

To accomplish this recall, chickadees grow new neurons in their hippocampus, one brain region that is responsible for spatial memory. —Rebecca Heisman, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hippokampos seahorse, from hippos horse + kampos sea monster — more at equine

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hippocampus

noun

hip·​po·​cam·​pus ˌhip-ə-ˈkam-pəs 

plural hippocampi -ˌpī  -(ˌ)pē 

: a curved elongated ridge that is an important part of the limbic system, extends over the floor of the descending horn of each lateral ventricle of the brain, consists of gray matter covered on the ventricular surface with white matter, and is involved in forming, storing, and processing memory see pes hippocampi