noun

midbrain

MID-brayn

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Midbrain (noun) means the part of the brain that lies above the pons and below the thalamus and basal ganglia, made up of the tectum and the tegmentum. Example: “The midbrain sits between the thalamus and the pons.”

noun

technical The part of the brain that lies above the pons and below the thalamus and basal ganglia, made up of the tectum and the tegmentum.

"The midbrain sits between the thalamus and the pons."

"The tectum and tegmentum are the two main regions of the midbrain."

"Doctors also refer to the midbrain by its formal name, the mesencephalon."

How to use midbrain

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe midbrain is the middle section of the brain stem, sitting between the pons and the thalamus.

When to use it

Midbrain is a technical term used in neuroscience and medicine.

Memory tip

The midbrain is only one section of the brain stem, not the whole brain stem itself.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

forebrain hindbrain

Common pairings

midbrain structures damage to the midbrain the midbrain and brain stem regions of the midbrain

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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 between the thalamus and the pons.

Etymology

Midbrain is a straightforward English compound, formed by joining mid- to brain to describe its middle position within the brain.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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mesencephalon

Rhymes for midbrain

ain rain pain lain gain main vain fain bain Iain Jain Cain

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Frequently asked questions

What is the midbrain?

The midbrain is the part of the brain positioned above the pons and below the thalamus and basal ganglia, made up of the tectum and tegmentum.

What is another name for the midbrain?

The midbrain is also known by its formal anatomical name, the mesencephalon.

Where is the midbrain located?

It sits between the pons below and the thalamus and basal ganglia above, forming part of the brain stem.

What is the meaning of midbrain?

"midbrain" (noun) means the part of the brain that lies above the pons and below the thalamus and basal ganglia, made up of the tectum and the tegmentum.