left brain

American  

noun

1. the cerebral hemisphere on the left side of the corpus callosum, controlling activity on the right side of the body: in humans, usually showing some degree of specialization for language and calculation.

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left brain British  

noun

1. 1. the left hemisphere of the human brain, which is believed to control linear and analytical thinking, decision-making, and language

   2. ( as modifier )

      a left-brain activity

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left brain Scientific  

/ lĕft /

1. The cerebral hemisphere located on the left side of the corpus callosum. The left brain controls activities on the right side of the body, and in humans, usually controls speech and language functions. The thought processes of logic and calculation are generally associated with the left brain.

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left brain Cultural  

1. A popular term that describes the analytic, rational, and straight-line-thinking functions of the left half of the cerebral cortex. (Compare right brain; see brain.)

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Example Sentences

Following a grievous injury or some other catastrophe, they were left brain dead—which is defined as lacking any brain function, including the ability to breathe on one’s own.

From Science Magazine • May 11, 2023

When humans are young, both the right and left brain hemispheres are heavily involved in speech, according to a 2020 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.

From Scientific American • Oct. 21, 2022

"We're not trying to be completely logical or left brain about this, we want you to be moved on a kind of infrared, right brain level and not even know why you're moved."

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2022

A judge has been asked to decide if a woman left brain damaged and paralysed from the neck down after contracting Covid-19 should be allowed to die.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2021

This often includes hobbies or other relaxation things that tend to disengage the left brain and allow the right brain greater autonomy.

From Sequential Problem Solving A Student Handbook with Checklists for Successful Critical Thinking by Lozo, Fredric