First Known Use: 1706
Dictionary
hippocampus
noun hip·po·cam·pus \ˌhi-pə-ˈkam-pəs\
plural hip·po·cam·pi\-ˌpī, -(ˌ)pē\
Definition of HIPPOCAMPUS
: 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
— hip·po·cam·pal \-pəl\ adjective
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Origin of HIPPOCAMPUS
New Latin, from Greek hippokampos sea horse, from hippos horse + kampos sea monster — more at equine
Medical Dictionary
hippocampus
noun hip·po·cam·pus \ˌhip-ə-ˈkam-pəs\
plural hip·po·cam·pi \-ˌpī, -(ˌ)pē\
Medical Definition of HIPPOCAMPUS
: 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
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