telencephalon

noun

tel·​en·​ceph·​a·​lon ˌte-len-ˈse-fə-ˌlän How to pronounce telencephalon (audio)
-lən
: the anterior subdivision of the embryonic forebrain or the corresponding part of the adult forebrain that includes the cerebral hemispheres and associated structures
telencephalic
ˌte-ˌlen(t)-sə-ˈfa-lik How to pronounce telencephalon (audio)
adjective

Examples of telencephalon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our team decided to focus on the telencephalon of the axolotl. — Ashley Maynard, The Conversation, 1 Sep. 2022 But regeneration of the telencephalon calls on stem cells to save the day, just like the flatworm. — Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from telo- + encephalon

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of telencephalon was in 1893

Rhymes for telencephalon

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Browse Nearby Words

telemotor
telencephalon
Telenget
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

telencephalon

noun
tel·​en·​ceph·​a·​lon ˌtel-en-ˈsef-ə-ˌlän, -lən How to pronounce telencephalon (audio)
plural telencephala -lə How to pronounce telencephalon (audio) or telencephalons
: the anterior subdivision of the embryonic forebrain or the corresponding part of the adult forebrain that includes the cerebral hemispheres and associated structures
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