forebrain
noun
fore·brain
ˈfȯr-ˌbrān 
: 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, telencephalonExamples of forebrain in a Sentence
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At that point, rather than consulting someone who obsesses over how caffeine focuses us by blocking adenosine receptors in the basal forebrain, philosophers should hold sway.
—
Jessica Riskin, The New York Review of Books, 3 Apr. 2025
In September 2024, these miniature pollutants were also discovered in the human olfactory bulb, a type of brain tissue that sits above the nose in the forebrain.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
After many tests and scans, Storm was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a right forebrain lesion.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
The heart starts beating faster, increasing blood flow to the muscles, heart, and other vital organs, while restricting the blood cells in our forebrain.
—Finnian Kelly, TIME, 8 July 2024
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Jessica Riskin, The New York Review of Books, 3 Apr. 2025
In September 2024, these miniature pollutants were also discovered in the human olfactory bulb, a type of brain tissue that sits above the nose in the forebrain.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
After many tests and scans, Storm was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a right forebrain lesion.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
The heart starts beating faster, increasing blood flow to the muscles, heart, and other vital organs, while restricting the blood cells in our forebrain.
—Finnian Kelly, TIME, 8 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for forebrain
Cite this Entry
“Forebrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forebrain. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forebrain
noun
fore·brain
ˈfō(ə)r-brān
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: the front division of the embryonic brain of a vertebrate animal or the parts developed from it
Medical Definition
forebrain
noun
fore·brain
-ˌbrān
: 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
see diencephalon, telencephalonLove words? Need even more definitions?
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