cerebellum

noun cer·e·bel·lum \ˌser-ə-ˈbe-ləm, ˌse-rə-\

medical : the back part of the brain that controls balance and the use of muscles

plural cer·e·bellums or cer·e·bel·la\-ˈbe-lə\

Full Definition of CEREBELLUM

: a large dorsally projecting part of the brain concerned especially with the coordination of muscles and the maintenance of bodily equilibrium, situated between the brain stem and the back of the cerebrum, and formed in humans of two lateral lobes and a median lobe — see brain illustration

— cer·e·bel·lar \-ˈbe-lər\ adjective

See cerebellum defined for English-language learners

See cerebellum defined for kids

Origin of CEREBELLUM

Medieval Latin, from Latin, diminutive of cerebrum

First Known Use: 1543

CEREBELLUM Defined for Kids

cerebellum

noun cer·e·bel·lum \ˌser-ə-ˈbe-ləm\

plural cer·e·bel·lums or cer·e·bel·la \-ˈbe-lə\

Definition of CEREBELLUM for Kids

: the lower back part of the brain whose chief functions are controlling the coordination of muscles and keeping the body in proper balance

Medical Dictionary

cerebellum

noun cer·e·bel·lum \ˌser-ə-ˈbel-əm\

plural cer·e·bellums or cer·e·bel·la \-ˈbel-ə\

Medical Definition of CEREBELLUM

: a large dorsally projecting part of the brain concerned especially with the coordination of muscles and the maintenance of bodily equilibrium, situated between the brain stem and the back of the cerebrum and formed in humans of two lateral lobes and a median lobe