forebrain

noun fore·brain \ ˈfȯr-ˌbrān \

Definition of forebrain

: the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and that especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions — called also prosencephalon; compare diencephalon, telencephalon

See forebrain defined for kids

Recent Examples of forebrain from the Web

Located in the forebrain, this bulb is directly connected to the olfactory receptor neurons that line the inside the nose.

— brian handwerk, Smithsonian, "In Some Ways, Your Sense of Smell Is Actually Better Than a Dog’s," 22 May 2017
But all that is the product of our forebrains — where cool, dispassionate reason lives.

— Time, "Carl Sagan's Widow Ann Druyan on the 'Mythic, Biblical Power' of a Solar Eclipse," 15 Aug. 2017
Instead, their biological key to success lies in a section of their forebrain called the hyperstriatum, which allows them to perform similar tasks.

— National Geographic, "Watch a Problem-Solving Raven Outsmart a Trash Can," 16 May 2017
As suggested by earlier studies, Tessmar-Raible found light-sensitive neurons in the worms’ forebrains.

— ferris jabr, Smithsonian, "How Moonlight Sets Nature’s Rhythms," 22 June 2017
The pictures show folds of overlapping skin and a sloping forehead, indications not only that the brain is smaller, but also that the forebrain has not developed normally, Dr. Levine said.

— pam belluck, New York Times, "Confronting a Lingering Question About Zika: How It Enters the Womb JULY 18, 2016," 23 Aug. 2016

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