hippocampus
noun
hip·po·cam·pus
ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-pəs 
plural hippocampi
ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-ˌpī
-(ˌ)pē
-(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
Examples of hippocampus in a Sentence
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To determine the source of engram-to-be cells, the researchers created a neural network model that simulated activity in the hippocampus.
—
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
At an average age of 70, participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess the structure and function of the hippocampus, a part of the brain crucial for forming new memories and one of the first brain regions affected by dementia.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 Mar. 2025
One leading hypothesis suggests that the part of our brain responsible for memory – the hippocampus – is underdeveloped at that stage of life and isn’t ready to store memories.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025
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
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Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
At an average age of 70, participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess the structure and function of the hippocampus, a part of the brain crucial for forming new memories and one of the first brain regions affected by dementia.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 Mar. 2025
One leading hypothesis suggests that the part of our brain responsible for memory – the hippocampus – is underdeveloped at that stage of life and isn’t ready to store memories.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hippocampus
Cite this Entry
“Hippocampus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hippocampus. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
hippocampus
noun
hip·po·cam·pus
ˌhip-ə-ˈkam-pəs
: 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
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