cerebellum

American  

[ser-uh-bel-uhm] / ˌsɛr əˈbɛl əm /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

cerebellums, cerebella

1. a large portion of the brain, serving to coordinate voluntary movements, posture, and balance in humans, being in back of and below the cerebrum and consisting of two lateral lobes and a central lobe.

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cerebellum British  

/ ˌsɛrɪˈbɛləm /

noun

1. one of the major divisions of the vertebrate brain, situated in man above the medulla oblongata and beneath the cerebrum, whose function is coordination of voluntary movements and maintenance of bodily equilibrium

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cerebellum Scientific  

/ sĕr′ə-bĕl′əm /

plural

cerebellums

1. The part of the vertebrate brain that is located below the cerebrum at the rear of the skull and that coordinates balance and muscle activity. In mammals, the cerebellum is made up of two connecting hemispheres that consist of a core of white matter surrounded by gray matter.

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cerebellum Cultural  

1. The part of the brain that helps control muscle coordination.

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Other Word Forms

• cerebellar adjective
• postcerebellar adjective
• precerebellar adjective
• subcerebellar adjective
• supercerebellar adjective

Etymology

Origin of cerebellum

1555–65; < Latin: brain, diminutive of cerebrum; cerebrum; for formation, castellum

Compare meaning

How does cerebellum compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cerebrum vs. cerebellum

Example Sentences

The cerebellum plays a central role in this process.

From Science Daily • Jan. 6, 2026

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and helps regulate muscle coordination and other functions.

From Science Daily • Dec. 9, 2025

The mice gradually developed marked motor problems, experienced significant neuron loss in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, and showed strong neuroinflammatory responses.

From Science Daily • Dec. 9, 2025

Brain scans of speed skaters have provided more hints about the cerebellum.

From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2024

This made known the natural mould of the brain, which shows the cerebral hemispheres, optic lobes, and cerebellum more distinctly than in the specimens previously known.

From Dragons of the Air An Account of Extinct Flying Reptiles by Seeley, H. G.

Related Words

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