Wernicke's area

noun

Wer·​nick·​e's area ˈver-nə-kəz- How to pronounce Wernicke's area (audio)
-kēz-
: an area of the brain that is located in the posterior left temporal lobe and is associated with comprehension of language

Word History

Etymology

Karl Wernicke †1905 German neurologist

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Wernicke's area was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near Wernicke's area

wernerite

Wernicke's area

wernicke's prism

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Cite this Entry

“Wernicke's area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Wernicke%27s%20area. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

Wernicke's area

noun
: an area located in the posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus that plays an important role in the comprehension of language

More from Merriam-Webster on Wernicke's area

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Wernicke's area

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