SINCE 1828
decerebrate
adjective
de·cer·e·brate
| \ (ˌ)dē-ˈser-ə-brət
, -ˌbrāt\
, -ˌbrāt\
Definition of decerebrate
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: caused by or as if by eliminaion of cerebral brain function : characteristic of decerebration
decerebrate rigidity
2
: having the cerebrum removed or made inactive
decerebrate lab animals
decerebrate
verb
de·cer·e·brate
| \ (ˌ)dē-ˈser-ə-ˌbrāt
\
\
decerebrated;
decerebrating;
decerebrates
Definition of decerebrate (Entry 2 of 2)
: to remove the cerebrum from
also
: to make incapable of cerebral activity
Other Words from decerebrate
Verb
decerebration
\ (ˌ)dē-ˌser-ə-ˈbrā-shən
\
noun
\
noun
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for decerebrate
decerebrate
adjective
de·cer·e·brate
| \ (ˈ)dē-ˈser-ə-brət
, -ˌbrāt; ˌdē-sə-ˈrē-brət
\
, -ˌbrāt; ˌdē-sə-ˈrē-brət
\
Medical Definition of decerebrate
1
: having the cerebrum removed or made inactive
decerebrate rats
2
: characteristic of decerebration
decerebrate rigidity
Comments on decerebrate
What made you want to look up decerebrate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Dictionary Devil
The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?
Play the game
Share decerebrate
Resources for decerebrate