encephalon

[ en-sef-uh-lon, -luh n ]

/ ɛnˈsɛf əˌlɒn, -lən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR encephalon ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural en·ceph·a·la [en-sef-uh-luh] /ɛnˈsɛf ə lə/.

Anatomy. the brain.

Nearby words

encephalomyelopathy, encephalomyeloradiculitis, encephalomyeloradiculopathy, encephalomyocarditis, encephalomyocarditis virus, encephalon, encephalopathy, encephalopyosis, encephalorrhagia, encephaloschisis, encephalosclerosis

Origin of encephalon

1735–45; < New Latin, alteration (-on for -os) of Greek enképhalos (adj.) within the head, as masculine noun, brain; see en-², -cephalous

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for encephalon

The Cerebrum or Great Brain lies above the plane of the tentorium, and forms much the largest division of the encephalon.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4|Various
Let me also add that the weight of the encephalon varies enormously according to individuals.
The Races of Man|Joseph Deniker
The lessening of the blood supply to the encephalon is rather the accompaniment than the cause of sleep.
Scientific American, September 29, 1883 Supplement. No. 404|Various
Encephalon -um: the brain, or that part of the head containing it.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith

This is mainly an inference from the total weight of the encephalon.
The Color Line|William Benjamin Smith

British Dictionary definitions for encephalon

encephalon

/ (ɛnˈsɛfəˌlɒn) /

noun plural -la (-lə)

a technical name for brain

Derived Forms

encephalous, adjective

Word Origin for encephalon

C18: from New Latin, from Greek enkephalos brain (literally: that which is in the head), from en- ² + kephalē head

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for encephalon

encephalon

[ ĕn-sĕf′ə-lŏn′ ]

n. pl. en•ceph•a•la (-lə)

brain

Related forms

en•ceph′a•lous adj.