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

Share [Findings] Scientists trained subjects to exercise control over a single neuron, linked the hippocampus to regret, and concluded that humans smell in stereo. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 17 July 2024

In postmenopausal participants, the higher receptor concentrations in cognitive regions of the brain, such as the hippocampus and frontal cortex, were associated with lower scores on some cognitive tests. —Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024

In a landmark 1994 study, investigators took brain recordings that showed the hippocampus fortifying memories during slow-wave sleep by retracing them. —Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2024

Blackouts occur when alcohol interferes with receptors of the hippocampus that aid in memory consolidation, rendering the drinker incapable of making and storing new memories. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024

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

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