cerebellum

noun

cer·​e·​bel·​lum ˌser-ə-ˈbe-ləm 

ˌse-rə-

plural cerebellums or cerebella ˌser-ə-ˈbe-lə 

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

ˌser-ə-ˈbe-lər 

ˌse-rə-

adjective

Examples of cerebellum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the Mayo Clinic, medulloblastoma is a malignant brain tumor that affects the cerebellum, which is involved in muscle coordination, balance and movement. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024

The disorder usually occurs when the mother contracts feline parvovirus during pregnancy, altering the formation of the kittens' cerebellum. —The Enquirer, 14 Feb. 2024

However, two months into her freshman year, Isabella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of cancer that arises in the cerebellum, which is located at the base of the skull and is responsible for coordination. —Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 11 Jan. 2024

In October, Isabella underwent an emergency surgery to remove a large medulloblastoma in the cerebellum of her brain. —Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2024

According to the National Institutes of Health, the hindbrain includes the upper part of the spinal cord, the brain stem, and the cerebellum. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024

Isabella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor that affects the cerebellum, which is involved in muscle coordination, balance and movement, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2024

There is no question that the cerebellum has this function. —Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 24 Jan. 2024

Overall, there were at least 27 brains, including the cerebellum, taken from Filipinos. —Nicole Dungca and Claire Healy, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin, diminutive of cerebrum

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cerebellum

noun

cer·​e·​bel·​lum ˌser-ə-ˈbel-əm 

plural cerebellums or cerebella -ˈbel-ə 

: 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 

plural cerebellums or cerebella -ˈbel-ə 

: 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