diencephalon

noun

di·en·ceph·a·lon ˌdī-ən-ˈse-fə-ˌlän

ˌdī-(ˌ)en-,

-lən

: the posterior subdivision of the forebrain

diencephalic

ˌdī-ən-sə-ˈfa-lik

ˌdī-(ˌ)en-

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The diencephalon regulates sleep-wake cycles and motor reflexes, while the brain stem controls automatic functions like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, swallowing and pupil dilation. —

Adrian Owen, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2017 This gene is involved in brain development and is mostly expressed in a part of the brain called the diencephalon — an area previously found to differ in gay men. —

Leah Froats, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diencephalon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.