Where does “hindbrain” come from?

Hindbrain comes from English hind- combined with brain, where hind derives from Middle English brayn, Proto-Germanic *hinder meaning "rear," and ultimately Proto-Indo-European *men- meaning "to think" or "mind."

hindbrain (English): The posterior part of the brain, comprising the...

Definitions

  1. The posterior part of the brain, comprising the...

Ancestry of “hindbrain”, step by step

hindbrain traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English brain

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishbrainThe control center of the central nervous system...
2Middle EnglishbraynThe brain or cerebrum; the organ of thought;...
3Old Englishbræġnbrain
4Proto-West Germanic*bragnbrain
5Proto-Germanicbragnąbrain
6Proto-Indo-Europeanmregʰnomskull, brain
7Proto-Indo-Europeanmen-to think, mind; spiritual activity; to stay,...

via English hind

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishhindLocated at the rear; A female deer, especially a...
2Middle Englishhind—
3Old Englishhindhind, doe
4Proto-Germanichindizdoe, hind
5Proto-Germanichemdiz—
6Proto-Indo-Europeanḱem-to cover, conceal; hornless
Every word from Proto-Indo-European men- →Every word from Proto-Indo-European mregʰnom →Every word from Proto-Germanic bragną →