forebrain

noun

fore·​brain ˈfȯr-ˌbrān 

: the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and that especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions

called also prosencephalon

compare diencephalon, telencephalon

Examples of forebrain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After many tests and scans, Storm was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a right forebrain lesion. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

The heart starts beating faster, increasing blood flow to the muscles, heart, and other vital organs, while restricting the blood cells in our forebrain. — Finnian Kelly, TIME, 8 July 2024

At that point, rather than consulting someone who obsesses over how caffeine focuses us by blocking adenosine receptors in the basal forebrain, philosophers should hold sway. — Jessica Riskin, The New York Review of Books, 3 Apr. 2025

That means damage to parts of the forebrain, although serious, won’t necessarily incapacitate the entire animal. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for forebrain

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• halothane
• hurricane
• hyperplane

Kids Definition

forebrain

noun

fore·​brain ˈfō(ə)r-brān 

ˈfȯ(ə)r-

: the front division of the embryonic brain of a vertebrate animal or the parts developed from it

Medical Definition

forebrain

noun

fore·​brain -ˌbrān 

: the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and that especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions

called also prosencephalon

see diencephalon, telencephalon