tectum

noun

tec·​tum ˈtek-təm How to pronounce tectum (audio)
plural tecta ˈtek-tə How to pronounce tectum (audio)
: a bodily structure resembling or serving as a roof
especially : the dorsal part of the midbrain
tectal adjective

Examples of tectum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For a looming stimulus, a nucleus of nerve cells in the midbrain called the optic tectum has served as the prime threat detector since the early days of vertebrate evolution. Tom Siegfried, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Jan. 2023 Cells in the retina detecting a rapidly expanding object send signals to the optic tectum or superior colliculus, alerting the brain to an imminent collision. Tom Siegfried, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Jan. 2023 In turn, the tectum/colliculus signals nerve cells to activate muscles. Tom Siegfried, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Jan. 2023 And in the tectum, a brain region that processes images from the optic nerve, the neurons of salamanders were often strewn chaotically about—a trait seen in embryonic or larval brains—whereas in frogs, the neurons were nicely layered. Douglas Fox, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022 The researchers also recorded activity from the ocular tectum, a brain area involved in basic visual processing in owls and many other vertebrates. Joanna Klein, New York Times, 3 July 2018

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, roof, dwelling, from neuter of tectus, past participle of tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use

circa 1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tectum was circa 1905

Dictionary Entries Near tectum

Cite this Entry

“Tectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tectum. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

tectum

noun
tec·​tum ˈtek-təm How to pronounce tectum (audio)
plural tecta -tə How to pronounce tectum (audio)
1
: a bodily structure resembling or serving as a roof
2
: the dorsal part of the midbrain including the corpora quadrigemina

called also tectum mesencephali

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