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

See Examples For:

engram

According to the study, tau is active during this critical stage of memory formation, helping determine exactly which engram cells are recruited to preserve the experience.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026

As learning takes place, tau undergoes a subtle chemical change called phosphorylation, which helps coordinate the activity of engram cells.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026

An engram can be viewed as a sparse ensemble of neurons across multiple regions in the brain that fire together.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2025

As memories form,neurons that happen to be activated closely in time become a part of the engram and strengthen their connectivity to support future recall.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 19, 2024

Homophony.—The terms engram and ecphoria correspond to the well-known introspective phenomena in psychology of memory and the association of ideas.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste