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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
In essence, anxiety is our body’s way of telling us to be alert and vigilant, but sometimes our limbic system can go a bit overboard.
—Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2024
One of the brain circuits that governs our response to danger is called the limbic system.
—Anna Jankowska, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
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
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
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 14 Jun. 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
More from Merriam-Webster on limbic system
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about limbic system
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