brain wave

[ breyn weyv ]

noun

1. Usually brain waves. Medicine/Medical. an electrical impulse given off by brain tissue, occurring at a frequency that varies according to mental state or activity, such as the slow waves associated with deep sleep and the fast waves associated with actively engaged thoughts and speech. Compare alpha rhythm ( def ), beta rhythm ( def ), delta rhythm ( def ).
2. Informal. a sudden idea or inspiration; brainstorm.

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 hertz See also alpha rhythm beta rhythm delta rhythm

Word History and Origins

Origin of brain wave¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Using sound to stimulate certain brain waves has the potential to help those with dementia or cognitive decline sleep better, reveals a new study.

From Science Daily

Using various methods for measuring brain waves and brain activity as well as psychological tests, they found specific changes that also occur in patients, so-called intermediate phenotypes of mental disorders.

From Science Daily

Scientists at Northwestern University are studying how short pulses of pink noise can enhance the slow brain waves of deep sleep.

From Seattle Times

Biomedical engineer Annabelle Singer has spent the past decade developing a noninvasive therapy for Alzheimer's disease that uses flickering lights and rhythmic tones to modulate brain waves.

From Science Daily

That stop signal, which reaches all the excitatory neurons simultaneously, only lasts so long, ends up synchronizing their activity, producing a coordinated gamma brain wave.

From Science Daily

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