brain
Anatomy, Zoology. the part of the central nervous system enclosed in the cranium of humans and other vertebrates, consisting of a soft, convoluted mass of gray and white matter and serving to control and coordinate the mental and physical actions.
Zoology. (in many invertebrates) a part of the nervous system more or less corresponding to the brain of vertebrates.
Sometimes brains. (used with a plural verb) understanding; intellectual power; intelligence.
the brain as the center of thought, understanding, etc.; mind; intellect.
brains, Slang. a member of a group who is regarded as its intellectual leader or planner: The junior partner is the brains of the firm.
Informal. a very intelligent or brilliant person.
Informal.
the controlling or guiding mechanism in a computer, robot, pacemaker, etc.
the part of a computer system for coordination or guidance, as of a missile.
to smash the skull of.
Slang. to hit or bang (someone) on the head.
Idioms about brain
beat one's brains out, Informal. to try very hard to understand and work out a problem, remember something, etc.: She beat her brains out studying for the exam.
have something on the brain, to have an obsession; be occupied with: Lately I seem to have food on the brain.
pick someone's brains, to obtain information by questioning another person rather than by seeking it independently: He refused to prepare for the exam but counted on being able to pick his roommate's brains.
Origin of brain
1synonym study For brain
Other words for brain
Other words from brain
- brainlike, adjective
- su·per·brain, noun
Words Nearby brain
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use brain in a sentence
The cordyceps fungus is incredibly simple on its own, but it can control the brains of ants, making them into vehicles to climb up high and spread spores.
Merzenich’s research pointed to a concept that would come to be known as “brain plasticity.”
A secret of science: Mistakes boost understanding | Rachel Kehoe | September 10, 2020 | Science News For StudentsWe’re born with human brains, and human brains see the world in particular ways and not in other ways.
Talking Is Throwing Fictional Worlds at One Another - Issue 89: The Dark Side | Kevin Berger | September 9, 2020 | NautilusAdvances in brain science and in technology may blur the definition of death further.
It has helped me to better understand how the human brain works.
We have to use common sense inclusiveness, because we are quickly getting to a place where our brain is falling out.
My father has suffered two strokes and endured brain cancer since I was arrested and imprisoned.
An American Marine in Iran’s Prisons Goes on Hunger Strike | IranWire | December 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTRelated: The 10 Best Apps for Your brain As you age, your brain changes.
Running 15 Miles a Week Could Slash Alzheimer’s Risk | DailyBurn | December 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTYou lose connectivity between portions of your brain, and some regions even experience shrinkage, according to Williams.
Running 15 Miles a Week Could Slash Alzheimer’s Risk | DailyBurn | December 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTNot only did a cherished character get a bullet to the brain, but things are only going to get worse on The Walking Dead.
‘Walking Dead’ Showrunner Scott Gimple Teases ‘Darker, Weirder’ Times Ahead | Melissa Leon | December 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAll the operations of her brain related themselves somehow to to-morrow afternoon.
Hilda Lessways | Arnold BennettPersistent glycosuria has been noted in brain injuries involving the floor of the fourth ventricle.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddHis ear, his brain, his muscles take on a new joyous activity, and the tide of life rises higher.
Children's Ways | James SullyThere was a vicious aching in his nerves, his muscles were flaccid and unstrung; a numbness was in his brain as well.
The Wave | Algernon BlackwoodThe anger and rebellion had been comatose in these years of freedom, but the maturer brain was the more uneasy, at times appalled.
Ancestors | Gertrude Atherton
British Dictionary definitions for brain
/ (breɪn) /
the soft convoluted mass of nervous tissue within the skull of vertebrates that is the controlling and coordinating centre of the nervous system and the seat of thought, memory, and emotion. It includes the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum: Technical name: encephalon Related adjectives: cerebral, encephalic
the main neural bundle or ganglion of certain invertebrates
(often plural) informal intellectual ability: he's got brains
informal shrewdness or cunning
informal an intellectual or intelligent person
(usually plural; functioning as singular) informal a person who plans and organizes an undertaking or is in overall control of an organization, etc
an electronic device, such as a computer, that performs apparently similar functions to the human brain
on the brain constantly in mind: I had that song on the brain
pick someone's brain to obtain information or ideas from someone
to smash the skull of
slang to hit hard on the head
Origin of brain
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for brain
[ brān ]
The part of the nervous system in vertebrates that is enclosed within the skull, is connected with the spinal cord, and is composed of gray matter and white matter. It is the control center of the central nervous system, receiving sensory impulses from the rest of the body and transmitting motor impulses for the regulation of voluntary movement. The brain also contains the centers of consciousness, thought, language, memory, and emotion. See more at brainstem cerebellum cerebrum.
A bundle of nerves in many invertebrate animals that is similar to the vertebrate brain in function and position.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for brain
The central organ in the nervous system, protected by the skull. The brain consists of the medulla, which sends signals from the spinal cord to the rest of the brain and also controls the autonomic nervous system; the pons, a mass of nerve fibers connected to the medulla; the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination; and the cerebrum, the outer layer of which, the cerebral cortex, is the location of memory, sight, speech, and other higher functions.
The cerebrum contains two hemispheres (the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere), each of which controls different functions. In general, the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and such functions as spatial perception, whereas the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and functions such as speech.
Under the cerebral cortex are the thalamus, the main relay center between the medulla and the cerebrum; and the hypothalamus, which controls blood pressure, body temperature, hunger, thirst, sex drive, and other visceral functions.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with brain
In addition to the idioms beginning with brain
- brain drain
- brain someone
- brain trust
also see:
- beat one's brains out
- blow one's brains out
- on one's mind (the brain)
- pick someone's brains
- rack one's brains
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Browse