brain wave

brain wave
noun
(neurophysiology) rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the cerebral cortex that are detectable with an electroencephalograph
• Topics: ↑neurophysiology
• Hypernyms: ↑bioelectricity
• Hyponyms:

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noun
1. : rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current; also : the current produced usually having a pulsation frequency of 10 or more per second
2. : a flash of inspiration

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1. Usually, brain waves. Med. electrical potentials or impulses given off by brain tissue. Cf. alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm.
2. Informal. a sudden idea or inspiration; brainstorm.
[1865-70]

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brain wave,
1. electric current produced by the rhythmic electric fluctuations between the parts of the brain. Bin waves can be recorded by an analyzer or an electroencephalograph.
2. a telepathic vibration supposed to effect transference of thought by other than physical means of communication.
3. Informal. a sudden bright idea; brainstorm.

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noun, pl ⋯ waves [count]
1 : a pattern or cycle of electrical activity in the brain
— usually plural

Do your brain waves change when you are sleeping?

2 chiefly Brit : ↑brainstorm 1, 1

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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  • brain wave — brain′ wave n. 1) phl Usu., brain waves. electrical potentials or impulses given off by brain tissue Compare alpha rhythm beta rhythm delta rhythm 2) brainstorm 1) • Etymology: 1865–70 …   From formal English to slang

  • brain wave — n. 1. any of a series of rhythmic electric impulses given off by nerve centers in the brain: they produce oscillations on an electroencephalogram and are usually measured during rest 2. Informal a sudden inspiration; brainstorm …   English World dictionary

  • brain wave — noun Date: 1890 1. brainstorm 2a 2. a. rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current b. a current produced by brain waves …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • brain wave — 1. Usually, brain waves. Med. electrical potentials or impulses given off by brain tissue. Cf. alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm. 2. Informal. a sudden idea or inspiration; brainstorm. [1865 70] * * * …   Universalium

  • brain wave — (Medicine) electrical impulse originating in brain tissue; sudden idea, brainstorm, inspirational thought …   English contemporary dictionary

  • brain wave — Synonyms and related words: automatic response, blind impulse, brainstorm, drive, fancy, flash, fleeting impulse, gut response, impulse, inspiration, instinct, involuntary impulse, natural impulse, notion, quick hunch, reflex, sudden thought,… …   Moby Thesaurus

  • brain wave — /breɪn ˈweɪv/ (say brayn wayv) noun an activity of the central nervous system occurring as one of a repetitive series of such activities …  

  • brain-wave —  Brilliant idea or sudden inspiration …   A concise dictionary of English slang

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