engram

[ en-gram ]

noun

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

engram

/ ˈɛnɡræm /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• enˈgrammic, adjective

Other Words From

• en·grammic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of engram¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of engram¹

C20: from German Engramm, from Greek en- in + gramma letter

Example Sentences

How neurons become part of a memory engram remained a mystery until recently.

From MIT Technology Review

Today, neuroscientists can manipulate memory engrams by artificially activating their underlying networks and inserting new information.

From MIT Technology Review

With this technology, which was pioneered by researchers at Stanford almost two decades ago, neuroscientists can artificially activate memory engram cells in lab animals.

From MIT Technology Review

An engram is stored within a network of connected neurons, and neurons holding the engram can be made to glow so that they are visible through special microscopes.

From MIT Technology Review

Right after the memory formed, there weren’t huge differences in how the engram cells expressed their genes.

From Quanta Magazine

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

From Project Gutenberg

Similarly, the engram of the ecphoriated dichotomy is most often that which has been previously most often repeated.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the tactile engram will be ecphoriated by the repetition of the original associated irritation.

From Project Gutenberg

As we have indicated in our comparison, every suggestion which has succeeded leaves a strong trace, or engram, in the brain.

From Project Gutenberg

These two laws together represent in part a hypothesis (the engram), and in part an observable fact.

From Project Gutenberg