temporal lobe

American  

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. the lateral lobe of each cerebral hemisphere, in front of the occipital lobe.

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temporal lobe British  

noun

1. the laterally protruding portion of each cerebral hemisphere, situated below the parietal lobe and associated with sound perception and interpretation: it is thought to be the centre for memory recall

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temporal lobe Scientific  

1. The lobe of each cerebral hemisphere lying to the side and rear of the frontal lobe. The temporal lobe controls hearing and some aspects of language perception, emotion, and memory.

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Etymology

Origin of temporal lobe

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Dr. Flaherty provocatively suggests that Van Gogh suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy and that his condition may have played an important role in his achievements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

These implants are done in two parts of the brain that often produce seizures, the medial temporal lobe and the medial frontal lobe.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2025

But it also reached deeper, into the medial temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex, brain regions crucial for memory.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2024

In a similar way, the recent study suggests that loss of temporal lobe activity somehow disinhibits artistic creativity in some individuals.

From Scientific American • May 26, 2023

When the ear is stimulated, the conscious sensation is the response of a small portion of the temporal lobe called the auditory sensory area, and without this area there is no auditory sensation.

From Psychology A Study Of Mental Life by Woodworth, Robert S.