engram

American  

[en-gram] / ˈɛn græm /

noun

1. a presumed encoding in neural tissue that provides a physical basis for the persistence of memory; a memory trace.

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engram British  

/ ˈɛnɡræm /

noun

1. psychol the physical basis of an individual memory in the brain See also memory trace

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Other Word Forms

• engrammic adjective

Etymology

Origin of engram

First recorded in 1905–10; en- ² + -gram ¹

Example Sentences

The conceptual content of an engram is an ideal abstract object characterized with regard to multiple features.

From Science Daily • Oct. 8, 2025

They also conducted experiments that allowed a single engram cell to be tracked across experiences and time.

From Science Daily • Jan. 19, 2024

The researchers were able to reverse the amnesia to allow the mice to remember the lost memory using lasers to activate the engram cells.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2024

In other words, you need activity in engram cells for forgetting to occur.

From Scientific American • Sep. 15, 2023

Semon's "engram" is formed by all that we experience at one time.

From The Analysis of Mind by Russell, Bertrand