noun

diencephalon

dy-en-SEF-uh-lon

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Diencephalon (noun) means the region of the human forebrain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, subthalamus and pretectum. Example: “The diencephalon sits deep within the forebrain, below the cerebral hemispheres.”

noun

technical The region of the human forebrain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, subthalamus and pretectum.

"The diencephalon sits deep within the forebrain, below the cerebral hemispheres."

"Damage to the diencephalon can disrupt hormone regulation controlled by the hypothalamus."

"Scans of the diencephalon help doctors assess the thalamus and surrounding structures."

How to use diencephalon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe diencephalon is the deep part of the forebrain that houses the thalamus and hypothalamus.

When to use it

It is a specialist anatomical and medical term, not used in everyday speech.

Memory tip

Break it down as di- (through) plus encephalon (brain) to help remember its meaning.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

diencephalon and forebrain damage to the diencephalon structures of the diencephalon

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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 _____ sits deep within the forebrain, below the cerebral hemispheres.

Etymology

The term comes from New Latin diencephalon, built from the prefix di-, a form of dia-, joined to encephalon, the word for the brain.

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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interbrain betweenbrain

Rhymes for diencephalon

talon salon Avalon

See all rhymes for diencephalon →

Frequently asked questions

What is the diencephalon?

It is the part of the human forebrain that contains the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, subthalamus and pretectum.

Is the diencephalon part of the brain?

Yes, it is a region within the forebrain, one of the brain's major divisions.

What structures make up the diencephalon?

It includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, subthalamus (also called the prethalamus) and pretectum.

What is the meaning of diencephalon?

"diencephalon" (noun) means the region of the human forebrain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, subthalamus and pretectum.