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

Origin of HIPPOCAMPUS

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

First Known Use: 1706

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