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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
The bullet entered the right side of the infant’s face and exited the back of her head, missing her brain stem by a few centimeters.
—John Johnston, The Enquirer, 28 Nov. 2024
The researchers attached electrodes for brain stem monitoring, took blood samples and attached satellite tracking tags to follow up on the animals’ behavior and welfare.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024
Each has a spinal cord, which controls reflex behaviors; a brain stem, which controls autonomic behaviors such as breathing and heart rate; and a midbrain, which controls emotions and basic behaviors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2017
Two men have been charged with murder in the drive-by shooting of an 18-year-old who was struck in the brain stem and died seven hours later, court records show.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1874, in the meaning defined above
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 22 Dec. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brain stem
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