hippocampus

noun

hip·​po·​cam·​pus ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-pəs 

plural hippocampi ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-ˌpī  -(ˌ)pē 

: a curved elongated ridge that extends over the floor of the descending horn of each lateral ventricle of the brain, that consists of gray matter covered on the ventricular surface with white matter, and that is involved in forming, storing, and processing memory

hippocampal

ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-pəl 

adjective

Examples of hippocampus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But there was a significant correlation between staring longer and activity in the hippocampus, suggesting that the kids were more likely to stare at something that had triggered the memory formation process during their first viewing. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025

Each also relies on separate neuronal pathways in the hippocampus. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Mar. 2025

Researchers aimed to record activity in the hippocampus — the portion of the brain associated with emotions, memory and the autonomic nervous system. —Julianna Bragg, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025

Interestingly, a 2022 study in mice found chronic caffeine consumption caused notable molecular changes in the hippocampus. —New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hippokampos seahorse, from hippos horse + kampos sea monster — more at equine

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hippocampus

• campus
• grampus

Medical Definition

hippocampus

noun

hip·​po·​cam·​pus ˌhip-ə-ˈkam-pəs 

plural hippocampi -ˌpī  -(ˌ)pē 

: a curved elongated ridge that is an important part of the limbic system, extends over the floor of the descending horn of each lateral ventricle of the brain, consists of gray matter covered on the ventricular surface with white matter, and is involved in forming, storing, and processing memory see pes hippocampi