Wernicke’s area (VER-nĭk-ĕ AR-ē-ă): Region at the posterior end of the lateral sulcus in which speech comprehension is localized.

wheal and flare response: A soft, pale swelling at the site surrounded by a red zone. (A wheal is also known as a “hive”)

white matter (hwīt MAT-ĕr): Regions of the nervous system containing mostly myelinated axons, making the tissue appear white because of the high lipid content of myelin.

word root: The foundational meaning of a word.