hippocampus

 
Pronunciation: /ˌhɪpə(ʊ)ˈkampəs/

noun (plural hippocampi /-pi, -pʌɪ/)

Anatomy
  • the elongated ridges on the floor of each lateral ventricle of the brain, thought to be the centre of emotion, memory, and the autonomic nervous system.

Origin:

late 16th century: via Latin from Greek hippokampos, from hippos 'horse' + kampos 'sea monster'