hippocampus

noun

hip·​po·​cam·​pus ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-pəs 

plural hippocampi ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-ˌpī  -(ˌ)pē 

: a curved elongated ridge that extends over the floor of the descending horn of each lateral ventricle of the brain, that consists of gray matter covered on the ventricular surface with white matter, and that is involved in forming, storing, and processing memory

hippocampal

ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-pəl 

adjective

Examples of hippocampus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Share [Findings] Scientists trained subjects to exercise control over a single neuron, linked the hippocampus to regret, and concluded that humans smell in stereo. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

Research going back to at least 1966 has shown that damage to the hippocampus—a part of the brain involved in memory—hinders birds from returning to their caches. —Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024

The hippocampus serves as the primary learning and memory center of the brain, but this is not where our memories are held. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Major brain regions include: Amygdala: This region near the hippocampus is involved with emotions. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hippokampos seahorse, from hippos horse + kampos sea monster — more at equine

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hippocampus

noun

hip·​po·​cam·​pus ˌhip-ə-ˈkam-pəs 

plural hippocampi -ˌpī  -(ˌ)pē 

: a curved elongated ridge that is an important part of the limbic system, extends over the floor of the descending horn of each lateral ventricle of the brain, consists of gray matter covered on the ventricular surface with white matter, and is involved in forming, storing, and processing memory see pes hippocampi