brain stem

noun

: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum

Examples of brain stem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The team studied three people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and one with a brain stem stroke, all of whom had previously had the sensors implanted. Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2025 The grape-sized, Stage 4 tumor on his brain stem made his movements and memories shaky. Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025 In a phenomenon known as electrical depolarization, an abnormal flux of ions triggers neurons to fire, moving up from the brain stem and into regions including the cortex. Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025 An autopsy showed Turner died from a single gunshot wound to the head, which severed the brain stem. Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for brain stem

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brain stem was in 1874

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Cite this Entry

“Brain stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20stem. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

brain stem

noun
: the back and lower part of the brain including the midbrain and medulla oblongata

Medical Definition

brain stem

noun
: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum

More from Merriam-Webster on brain stem

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