hindbrain

noun

hind·​brain ˈhīn(d)-ˌbrān How to pronounce hindbrain (audio)
1
: the posterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes the cerebellum, the medulla oblongata, and in mammals the pons and that controls autonomic functions and equilibrium

called also rhombencephalon

compare metencephalon, myelencephalon
2
: the posterior segment of the brain of an invertebrate

Examples of hindbrain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Neurons in the hindbrain, sitting at the base of the skull, secrete their own GLP-1, while receptors listening to them are found throughout the brain. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 There are three basic units of an vertebrate brain–the midbrain, forebrain, and the hindbrain. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024 The team already knew that retinoic acid can cue the gene circuitry to construct the hindbrain in complex species. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024 Deep within the brain—in the areas of the hypothalamus, midbrain and hindbrain—the range of cell types is much greater than in the evolutionarily younger cerebral cortex. Karin Schlott, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2023 Essential tremor, as this new research reveals, is linked to abnormalities in the hindbrain — specifically, the cerebellum. Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2020 Many spina bifida babies develop a brain condition called hindbrain herniation. Dr. Manny Alvarez, Fox News, 23 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hindbrain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hindbrain was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near hindbrain

Cite this Entry

“Hindbrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hindbrain. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hindbrain

noun
hind·​brain ˈhīn(d)-ˌbrān How to pronounce hindbrain (audio)
: the third and most posterior division of the embryonic vertebrate brain or the parts that develop from it

Medical Definition

hindbrain

noun
hind·​brain ˈhīn(d)-ˌbrān How to pronounce hindbrain (audio)
: the posterior division of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata and that controls the autonomic functions and equilibrium

called also rhombencephalon

see metencephalon, myelencephalon

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