noun

cerebrum

SER-ib-ruhm

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Cerebrum (noun) means the largest, foremost part of the brain, split into left and right hemispheres, which handles complex sensory processing, voluntary movement and higher mental functions such as thought and memory. Example: “The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres joined by a central fissure.”

noun

anatomy The largest, foremost part of the brain, split into left and right hemispheres, which handles complex sensory processing, voluntary movement and higher mental functions such as thought and memory.

"The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres joined by a central fissure."

"Damage to the cerebrum can affect both movement and higher thinking."

"The cerebrum takes up most of the space inside the human skull."

How to use cerebrum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is the main, largest part of the brain that handles thinking, senses and voluntary movement.

When to use it

This is a formal anatomical term used mainly in medical and scientific contexts.

Memory tip

Do not confuse cerebrum with cerebellum, a separate, smaller structure at the back of the brain.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cerebellum →

Common pairings

human cerebrum left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum damage to the cerebrum

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ is divided into two hemispheres joined by a central fissure.

Etymology

The word came into English through Middle English cerebrum, taken directly from the Latin cerebrum, meaning brain.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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telencephalon

Frequently asked questions

What does the cerebrum do?

It handles complex sensory processing, the initiation and coordination of voluntary movement, and higher mental functions such as thought, reasoning and memory.

Where is the cerebrum located?

It sits at the front of the skull and forms the largest part of the human brain.

Is the cerebrum the same as the brain?

No, the cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, but the brain also includes other structures such as the cerebellum and brainstem.

What is the meaning of cerebrum?

"cerebrum" (noun) means the largest, foremost part of the brain, split into left and right hemispheres, which handles complex sensory processing, voluntary movement and higher mental functions such as thought and memory.