brain wave

brain wave

or brain·wave (brān′wāv′)

n.

1. A rhythmic fluctuation of electric potential between parts of the brain, as seen on an electroencephalogram.

2. Informal A sudden inspiration.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

brain wave

n

(Physiology) any of the fluctuations of electrical potential in the brain as represented on an electroencephalogram. They vary in frequency from 1 to 30 hertz. See also alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

brain′ wave`

n.

1. Usu., brain waves. electrical potentials or impulses given off by brain tissue. Compare alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm.

2. brainstorm (def. 1).

[1865–70]

Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

brain wave - (neurophysiology) rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the cerebral cortex that are detectable with an electroencephalograph brainwave, cortical potential neurophysiology - the branch of neuroscience that studies the physiology of the nervous system alpha rhythm, alpha wave - the normal brainwave in the electroencephalogram of a person who is awake but relaxed; occurs with a frequency of 8-12 hertz beta rhythm, beta wave - the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person who is awake and alert; occurs with a frequency between 12 and 30 hertz bioelectricity - electric phenomena in animals or plants delta rhythm, delta wave - the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person in deep dreamless sleep; occurs with high voltage and low frequency (1 to 4 hertz) theta rhythm, theta wave - the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person who is awake but relaxed and drowsy; occurs with low frequency and low amplitude

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

brain wave

noun

Informal. A sudden exciting thought:

brainstorm, inspiration.

The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.