thalamus

[ thal-uh-muh s ]
/ ˈθæl ə məs /

noun, plural thal·a·mi [thal-uh-mahy] /ˈθæl əˌmaɪ/.

Anatomy. the middle part of the diencephalon through which sensory impulses pass to reach the cerebral cortex.
Botany. a receptacle or torus.
Also called thalamium. an apartment for women in an ancient Greek house.

Origin of thalamus

1695–1705; < New Latin; Latin: bedroom < Greek thálamos

OTHER WORDS FROM thalamus

Example sentences from the Web for thalamus

British Dictionary definitions for thalamus

thalamus
/ (ˈθæləməs) /

noun plural -mi (-ˌmaɪ)

either of the two contiguous egg-shaped masses of grey matter at the base of the brain
both of these masses considered as a functional unit
the receptacle or torus of a flower

Derived forms of thalamus

thalamic (θəˈlæmɪk), adjective thalamically, adverb

Word Origin for thalamus

C18: from Latin, Greek thalamos inner room; probably related to Greek tholos vault

Medical definitions for thalamus

thalamus
[ thălə-məs ]

n. pl. thal•a•mi (-mī′)

A large ovoid mass of gray matter that forms the larger dorsal subdivision of the diencephalon and is located medial to the internal capsule and to the body and tail of the caudate nucleus. It functions in the relay of sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex.

Other words from thalamus

tha•lamic (thə-lămĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for thalamus

thalamus
[ thălə-məs ]

Plural thalami (thălə-mī′)

The part of the vertebrate brain that lies at the rear of the forebrain. It relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex and regulates the perception of touch, pain, and temperature.

Cultural definitions for thalamus

thalamus
[ (thal-uh-muhs) ]

The part of the brain that coordinates nerve impulses relating to the senses of sight, hearing, touch, and taste.