brain stem

noun

: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum

Examples of brain stem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some actions are immediately lost, such as brain stem reflexes, but others that are normally suppressed to optimize performance for ordinary life suddenly become disinhibited because the brain’s natural braking systems are no longer working. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa because the nerves originating in the brain cross over into the lower brain stem before entering the spinal column. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 2 May 2024 That team proposed slicing off the top of Miranda’s skull and then groping down to her brain stem. David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024 Since retinoic acid is a major player that cues vital steps in development of the brain stem, better understanding the process could help in cases where the brain stem does not develop properly in humans and other animals. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brain stem 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brain stem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brain stem was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near brain stem

Cite this Entry

“Brain stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20stem. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

brain stem

noun
: the back and lower part of the brain including the midbrain and medulla oblongata

Medical Definition

brain stem

noun
: the part of the brain composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata and connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum

More from Merriam-Webster on brain stem

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