word
hippocampus
hip-oh-KAM-pus
ˌhɪpəʊˈkæmpəsListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
hippocampus
Dictionary meaning
a seahorse-shaped structure in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, critical for the formation of new episodic and spatial memories; part of the limbic system; the first area damaged in Alzheimer's disease; involved in converting short-term memories to long-term memories (memory consolidation); also essential for spatial navigation, as shown by studies of London taxi drivers
Examples
- The hippocampus is named for its resemblance to a seahorse (Greek: hippos = horse, kampos = sea monster).
- Patient H.M., whose hippocampi were removed, could no longer form new long-term memories.
Pronunciation tips
The plural is hippocampi (hip-oh-KAM-pie). There are two hippocampi, one in each hemisphere. Stress the third syllable.
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