Thalamus
/ˈθæl.ə.məs/noun
A major structure in the brain that relays sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.
Did you know?In Ancient Greek, thalamos could mean an inner room or bridal chamber, and that same root also gave the biological term for the flower’s ovary chamber, making the brain’s relay center feel oddly architectural and ceremonial.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*telh₂-
“to support; to bear, carry”
Ancient Greek
Greek
θάλαμος (thálamos)
“an inner chamber, room, or bridal chamber”
Late Greek
Greek
θαλαμός (thalamós)
“a chamber or bedchamber; in botany, a receptacle or chamber”
16th Century
New Latin
thalamus
“a chamber or bedchamber; later a botanical and anatomical term”
Modern English
English
thalamus
“the brain structure that relays sensory information and helps regulate consciousness”
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