n.
Pronunciation: ˌ met- ˌ en- ' se-f ə - ˌ län, -l ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin
Date: 1867
: the anterior segment of the developing vertebrate hindbrain or the corresponding part of the adult brain composed of the cerebellum and pons
– met · en · ce · phal · ic \ - ˌ en(t)-s ə - ' fa-lik \ adjective