diencephalon

noun

di·​en·​ceph·​a·​lon ˌdī-ən-ˈse-fə-ˌlän 

ˌdī-(ˌ)en-, 

-lən 

: the posterior subdivision of the forebrain

diencephalic

ˌdī-ən-sə-ˈfa-lik 

ˌdī-(ˌ)en-

adjective

Examples of diencephalon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This gene is involved in brain development and is mostly expressed in a part of the brain called the diencephalon — an area previously found to differ in gay men. — Leah Froats, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2017

Though people in vegetative states are cognitively non-responsive, the brain stem and the brain region called the diencephalon are usually preserved. — Adrian Owen, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2017

The diencephalon regulates sleep-wake cycles and motor reflexes, while the brain stem controls automatic functions like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, swallowing and pupil dilation. — Adrian Owen, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from dia- + encephalon

First Known Use

circa 1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diencephalon

• agamemnon
• automaton
• panopticon
• phenomenon
• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• cynodon

Medical Definition

diencephalon

noun

di·​en·​ceph·​a·​lon ˌdī-ən-ˈsef-ə-ˌlän  ˌdī-(ˌ)en- 

-lən

: the posterior subdivision of the forebrain

called also betweenbrain, interbrain

diencephalic

-sə-ˈfal-ik 

adjective