brain wave
noun
Usually brain waves. Medicine/Medical. electrical potentials or impulses given off by brain tissue.Compare alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm.
Informal. a sudden idea or inspiration; brainstorm.
QUIZZES
THIS PSAT VOCABULARY QUIZ IS PERFECT PRACTICE FOR THE REAL TEST
In our third teacher-created PSAT practice test there are new and unique vocabulary terms you may have never heard of! Can you guess what they mean?
Question 1 of 10
seclusion
Origin of brain wave
First recorded in 1865–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for brain wave
"It was a sort of second-sight—what they call a brainwave," Nick smiled.
The Tragic Muse|Henry JamesThought exchange by "brainwave" is wonderful, even if we still need a little speech as auxiliary.
The Brain|Alexander Blade
British Dictionary definitions for brain wave (1 of 2)
brainwave
/ (ˈbreɪnˌweɪv) /
noun
informal a sudden inspiration or ideaAlso called: brainstorm
British Dictionary definitions for brain wave (2 of 2)
brain wave
noun
any of the fluctuations of electrical potential in the brain as represented on an electroencephalogram. They vary in frequency from 1 to 30 hertzSee also alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for brain wave
brain wave
n.
A rhythmic fluctuation of electric potential between parts of the brain, as seen on an electroencephalogram.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.