hippocampus
Etymology
From Late Latin hippocampus, from Ancient Greek ἱππόκαμπος (hippókampos), from ῐ̔́ππος (híppos, “horse”) + κάμπος (kámpos, “sea-monster”). The anatomy sense is so named from its resemblance to the seahorse.
noun
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(mythology) A mythological creature with the front head and forelimbs of a horse and the rear of a dolphin. -
(neuroanatomy, anatomy) A part of the brain located inside the temporal lobe, consisting mainly of grey matter. It is a component of the limbic system and plays a role in memory and emotion. The hippocampus is central to the laying down of memories. 2019, Bill Bryson, The Body: A Guide for Occupants, Black Swan (2020), page 63
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