encephalon

noun

en·​ceph·​a·​lon in-ˈse-fə-ˌlän How to pronounce encephalon (audio) -lən How to pronounce encephalon (audio)
plural encephala in-ˈse-fə-lə How to pronounce encephalon (audio)
: the vertebrate brain

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek enkephalos

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of encephalon was in 1741

Rhymes for encephalon

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Browse Nearby Words

encephalomyocarditis
encephalon
encephalopathy
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Cite this Entry

“Encephalon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encephalon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on encephalon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about encephalon

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