limbic system

noun

: a group of subcortical structures (such as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation

Examples of limbic system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Leon said the olfactory system — the body structures, including the nose, that regulate smell — communicates directly with the limbic system, a brain region associated with mood and memory. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2024 These high-level cognitive and emotional functions were understood to reside in the cerebral cortex and limbic system. Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 24 Jan. 2024 The shallow sensors were thus unable to access deep brain regions—such as the hypothalamus, thalamus, basal ganglia, and limbic system—that govern hunger, thirst, sleep, pain, memory, emotions, and other important perceptions and behaviors. IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2022 The ventral striatum, located in the midbrain, is part of the limbic system and is linked to perceiving rewards and pleasure. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2022 These privileged connections between the olfactory system and the limbic system may help explain why odor, in particular, can evoke stronger emotional memories than our other senses. Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2023 There’s a part of the brain called the limbic system, and that’s the part of the brain where emotions like anger and affection are processed, as well as memory. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Sep. 2023 The limbic system, a collection of brain areas that are sensitive to emotion, reward, novelty, threat and peer expectations, undergoes a growth spurt while the brain areas responsible for reasoning, judgment and executive function continue their slow, steady march toward adulthood. Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2021 Before that happens, younger adolescents tend to primarily navigate the world with the amygdala and limbic system, which develops earlier and is associated with emotional behavior and survival mechanisms such as fight-or-flight response. Tree Meinch, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'limbic system.' 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

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limbic system was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near limbic system

Cite this Entry

“Limbic system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limbic%20system. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

limbic system

noun
: a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation

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