beta rhythm

noun

1. a pattern of high-frequency brain waves beta waves observed in normal persons upon sensory stimulation, especially with light, or when they are engaging in purposeful mental activity.

beta rhythm

noun

1. physiol the normal electrical activity of the cerebral cortex, occurring at a frequency of 13 to 30 hertz and detectable with an electroencephalograph See also brain wave

Word History and Origins

Origin of beta rhythm¹

First recorded in 1935–40; earlier beta waves, translation of German Betawellen; alpha rhythm

Example Sentences

One of these waves, called the beta rhythm, has a distinctively low frequency of between 13 and 30 cycles each second.

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A number of studies suggest that the beta rhythm serves an important purpose: It keeps the different regions of the brain synchronized, like the sections of an orchestra.

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Each time the brain reaches the crest of a beta rhythm, scientists have found, neurons get primed to send their signals.

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By coordinating these signals, the beta rhythm may keep distant regions of the brain on the same timetable.

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When people get Parkinson’s disease, the synchronization of the beta rhythm becomes stronger throughout the brain.

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