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limbic system
noun
: a group of subcortical structures (such as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation
Examples of limbic system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During a migraine attack, the hypothalamus is thought to lose control over a collection of structures in the brain called the limbic system, which affects how a person responds to pain.
—Helen Thomson, WIRED, 25 Sep. 2024
Partly due to our evolutionary survival, and also due to our emotional limbic system, humans have often used storytelling as a cornerstone of belonging and inclusion.
—Julie Kratz, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Emotion state: This one is part of the limbic system, where the body feels the effects of increasing emotions and leans on memories for information about the current experience.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 28 Sep. 2024
Sure, feeling afraid may be a natural part of risk taking, as humans are designed to assess both physical and emotional danger in the same limbic system part of our brain.
—Holly Corbett, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1952, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near limbic system
Cite this Entry
“Limbic system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limbic%20system. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
limbic system
noun
: a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation
More from Merriam-Webster on limbic system
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about limbic system
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