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brain wave

noun
  1. Usually brain waves. Medicine/Medical. electrical potentials or impulses given off by brain tissue.Compare alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm.
  2. Informal. a sudden idea or inspiration; brainstorm.
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Origin of brain wave

First recorded in 1865–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for brainwave

Historical Examples

  • "It was a sort of second-sight—what they call a brainwave," Nick smiled.

    The Tragic Muse

    Henry James

  • Thought exchange by "brainwave" is wonderful, even if we still need a little speech as auxiliary.

    The Brain

    Alexander Blade

British Dictionary definitions for brainwave

brainwave

noun
  1. informal a sudden inspiration or ideaAlso called: brainstorm
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brain wave

noun
  1. 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
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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
brainwave in Medicine

brain wave

n.
  1. A rhythmic fluctuation of electric potential between parts of the brain, as seen on an electroencephalogram.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.