HIPPOCAMPUS
Hippocampus, genus Hippocampus
(noun) seahorses
hippocampus
(noun) a complex neural structure (shaped like a sea horse) consisting of grey matter and located on the floor of each lateral ventricle; intimately involved in motivation and emotion as part of the limbic system; has a central role in the formation of memories
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
hippocampus (plural hippocampi)
(mythological creature) A mythological creature with the front head and forelimbs of a horse and the rear of a dolphin.
Synonym: hippocamp
(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.
Synonyms
• (neuroanatomy): HIPP
Source: Wiktionary
Hip`po*cam"pus, n. Etym: [L., the sea horse, Gr. "i`ppos horse +
1. (Class. Myth.)
Definition: A fabulous monster, with the head and fore quarters of a horse
joined to the tail of a dolphin or other fish (Hippocampus
brevirostris), -- seen in Pompeian paintings, attached to the chariot
of Neptune. Fairholt.
2. (Zoöl.)
Definition: A genus of lophobranch fishes of several species in which the
head and neck have some resemblance to those of a horse; -- called
also sea horse.
Note: They swim slowly, in an erect position, and often cling to
seaweeds by means of the incurved prehensile tail. The male has a
ventral pouch, in which it carries the eggs till hatched.
3. (Zoöl.)
Definition: A name applied to either of two ridges of white matter in each
lateral ventricle of the brain. The larger is called hippocampus
major or simply hippocampus. The smaller, hippocampus minor, is
called also ergot and calcar.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition