Hippocampus: meaning, definitions and examples

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hippocampus

 

[ ˌhɪpəˈkæmpəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy brain

The hippocampus is a small, curved formation in the brain that plays a crucial role in the processing of memory and spatial navigation. It is located in the medial temporal lobe and is part of the limbic system. Damage to the hippocampus can result in severe memory impairment, particularly in forming new memories.

Synonyms

limbic structure, memory center

Examples of usage

  • The hippocampus helps convert short-term memories into long-term memories.
  • Researchers are studying how the hippocampus influences learning and memory.
  • Damage to the hippocampus can lead to amnesia.

Translations

Translations of the word "hippocampus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipocampo

🇮🇳 हिप्पोकैम्पस

🇩🇪 Hippocampus

🇮🇩 hippokampus

🇺🇦 гіпокамп

🇵🇱 hipokamp

🇯🇵 海馬 (かいば)

🇫🇷 hippocampe

🇪🇸 hipocampo

🇹🇷 hipokampus

🇰🇷 해마 (haema)

🇸🇦 الحُصين (alḥuṣayn)

🇨🇿 hipokampus

🇸🇰 hipokampus

🇨🇳 海马 (hǎimǎ)

🇸🇮 hipokampus

🇮🇸 hippókampus

🇰🇿 гиппокамп

🇬🇪 ჰიპოკამპი (hipok'ampi)

🇦🇿 hippokampus

🇲🇽 hipocampo

Word origin

The term 'hippocampus' derives from the ancient Greek word 'hippokampos', which translates to 'horse' (hippos) and 'sea monster' (kampos), named for its shape that resembles a seahorse. The term was first used in the 16th century by anatomists, but the study of its function in memory and navigation began in earnest in the 20th century. This structure was identified as crucial for memory formation by neuroscientists, particularly in studies involving patients with memory losses. The research surrounding the hippocampus has evolved over the years, highlighting its importance in both human cognition and the broader field of neuroscience.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,555, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.