vermis

noun

ver·​mis ˈvər-mis 

: the constricted median lobe of the cerebellum that connects the two lateral lobes

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, literally, "worm," after excrescentia vermiformis "vermiform growth," translating Galen's Greek phrase epíphysis skōlēkoeidḗs; so called by Galen from its resemblance to a grub growing out of wood — more at worm entry 1

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

vermis

noun

ver·​mis ˈvər-mis 

plural vermes -ˌmēz 

1

: either of two parts of the median lobe of the cerebellum:

a

: one slightly prominent on the upper surface

called also superior vermis

b

: one on the lower surface sunk in the vallecula

called also inferior vermis

2

: the median lobe or part of the cerebellum