right brain

American  

noun

1. the cerebral hemisphere on the right side of the corpus callosum, controlling activity on the left side of the body, showing in humans some degree of specialization for spatial and nonverbal concepts.

---

right brain Scientific  

1. The cerebral hemisphere located on the right side of the corpus callosum. The right brain controls activities on the left side of the body and, in humans, usually controls perception of spatial relationships and the ability to recognize common shapes and objects. The thought processes involved in creativity and imagination are generally associated with the right brain.

---

right brain Cultural  

1. A popular term that describes the artistic and integrating functions of the right half of the cerebral cortex. (Compare left brain; see brain.)

---

Etymology

Origin of right brain

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

“Doing this has changed my perspective. It puts me in the right brain space in the morning if I’m looking at bills, goals and things I want to accomplish,” she says.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2023

The author of pop psychology books about motivation, the right brain, and the science of perfect timing, Pink has spent the past 18 months gathering and analyzing thousands of regrets.

From Washington Post • Jan. 30, 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

The new research could ultimately provide a better idea of whether targeting just the right brain circuit can lift the penumbra that hangs over a severely depressed person.

From Scientific American • Oct. 4, 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