hindbrain

American  

[hahynd-breyn] / ˈhaɪndˌbreɪn /

noun

Anatomy.

1. the most posterior of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue, including the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata; rhombencephalon.

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hindbrain British  

/ ˈhaɪndˌbreɪn /

noun

1. the nontechnical name for rhombencephalon

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hindbrain Scientific  

/ hīnd′brān′ /

1. The rearmost part of the vertebrate brain. In humans, it consists of the pons and the medulla oblongata.

2. Compare forebrain midbrain

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Etymology

Origin of hindbrain

First recorded in 1885–90; hind ¹ + brain

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hindbrain

Research has shown that these medications reduce hunger-driven eating by acting on networks in the hypothalamus and hindbrain.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 25, 2026

The cells were guided to organize themselves into small, pea-sized clusters of brain tissue that resemble the hindbrain.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

Their results show that the hormone acts through the hindbrain, which is located in the lower back part of the brain.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 16, 2026

Something malicious and alive, an indicator of a deeper rot, has crept into your space while you weren’t paying attention, your pest-wary hindbrain yells.

From Salon ● Nov. 7, 2025

Something about it tingled in my hindbrain -- I knew I'd heard of this place.

From Little Brother by Doctorow, Cory