claustrum
noun
claus·trum
ˈklȯ-strəm 
ˈklau̇-
ˈklau̇-
plural claustra
ˈklȯ-strə
ˈklau̇-
: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that consists of a thin lamina of gray matter separated from the lenticular nucleus by a layer of white matter
Examples of claustrum in a Sentence
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The claustrum is unlikely to be the seat of consciousness.
—
Michael W. Clune, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023
The claustrum is one of multiple brain regions that is rich in serotonin 2A receptors and organizes brain activity.
—Iris Kulbatski, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2020
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Michael W. Clune, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023
The claustrum is one of multiple brain regions that is rich in serotonin 2A receptors and organizes brain activity.
—Iris Kulbatski, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Claustrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/claustrum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
claustrum
noun
claus·trum
ˈklȯ-strəm
ˈklau̇-
ˈklau̇-
plural claustra
-strə
: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that consists of a thin lamina of gray matter between the lentiform nucleus and the insula
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