cerebral

[suh-ree-bruhl, ser-uh-]

adjective

1. Anatomy, Zoology.,  of or relating to the cerebrum or the brain.

2. betraying or characterized by the use of the intellect rather than intuition or instinct.

   His is a cerebral music that leaves many people cold.

3. Phonetics.,  retroflex.

noun

1. Phonetics.,  a cerebral sound.

cerebral

/ səˈriːbrəl, ˈsɛrɪbrəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the cerebrum or to the entire brain

2. involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct

3. phonetics another word for cacuminal

noun

1. phonetics a consonant articulated in the manner of a cacuminal consonant

cerebral

1. Relating to or involving the brain or cerebrum.

cerebral

1. A descriptive term for things pertaining to the brain or cerebrum.

The term is also used figuratively to describe things that appeal to the intellect.

Other Word Forms

• cerebrally adverb
• intercerebral adjective
• noncerebral adjective
• overcerebral adjective
• postcerebral adjective
• precerebral adjective
• subcerebral adjective
• supercerebral adjective
• supercerebrally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cerebral¹

From the New Latin word cerebrālis, dating back to 1795–1805. See cerebrum, -al ¹

Example Sentences

When Chantal Chaervey's son with cerebral palsy lost access to healthcare services at 18, she did not imagine she would be fighting four years on to change this.

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Now 27, Plumptre is a cerebral young woman as well as a talented footballer.

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Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, he spent his first three months at a public hospital where the family lives in Orange County.

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Chaney uses crutches to walk short distances and his mobility scooter to travel longer distances because of his cerebral palsy.

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Wren has cerebral palsy, affecting her speech, all four of her limbs and her posture, meaning she needs help with everyday activities.

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Related Words

• analytical 
• intelligent