brain wave

noun

Updated on: 6 Apr 2018

Definition of brain wave

1 : brainstorm 2a

2 a : rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current

b : a current produced by brain waves

See brain wave defined for English-language learners

See brain wave defined for kids

Recent Examples of brain wave from the Web

Of particular note: The deep, almost ethereal bass tones meant to promote slow-wave sleep, a phase that’s responsible for consolidating memory and learning as brain waves oscillate at the supremely mellow frequency of 10Hz.

— corey seymour, Vogue, "Max Richter’s Eight-Hour Ambient Piece Will Put You To Sleep—Actually, That’s The Whole Point," 30 Mar. 2018
But these issues won’t be relevant until interfaces for decoding brain waves are much more advanced.

— emily matchar, Smithsonian, "A New Study Brings Scientists One Step Closer To Mind Reading," 6 Mar. 2018
The synchronous brain waves are then an expression of the empathy.

— diana gitig, Ars Technica, "He’s not just saying he feels her pain—he really is," 4 Mar. 2018
And that’s crucial because in terms of technology the limiting factor is brain wave literacy.

— betsy isaacson, Newsweek, "A Fitbit for Your Brain Is Around the Corner," 3 Apr. 2016
Why would someone want their brain waves collected by their car?

— brett berk, Car and Driver, "Nissan Says Its Brain-to-Vehicle Tech Will Be Here Sooner Than You Think," 17 Jan. 2018
The headband emits a tone that the company says improves slow wave sleep, the stage in the sleep cycle at which brain waves and breathing slow to their lowest levels.

— lisa eadicicco, Time, "10 of the Coolest Gadgets We Saw at CES 2018," 13 Jan. 2018
The aging brain just doesn’t seem to be able to synchronize its brain waves effectively.

— chris morris, Fortune, "Forgotten Why You're So Forgetful? Science Has a New Explaination," 18 Dec. 2017
Although the hospital was able to keep him breathing and his heart pumping artificially, four different tests showed there were no brain waves.

— susan baldrige, The Seattle Times, "Organ donations from fatal drug overdoses double," 16 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brain wave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of brain wave

1890

BRAIN WAVE Defined for English Language Learners

brain wave

noun

Definition of brain wave for English Language Learners

: a pattern or cycle of electrical activity in the brain

Medical Dictionary

brain wave

noun

medical Definition of brain wave

1 : rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain resulting in the flow of an electric current

2 : a current produced by brain waves — compare alpha wave, beta wave

Learn More about brain wave

See words that rhyme with brain wave Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brain wave

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up brain wave? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

brain wave

Definition of brain wave

Recent Examples of brain wave from the Web

First Known Use of brain wave

BRAIN WAVE Defined for English Language Learners

brain wave

Definition of brain wave for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

brain wave

medical Definition of brain wave

Learn More about brain wave

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

headlong

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix?’

'Altho' vs. 'Although'

A Brief History of 'Potshot'

What Is a 'Thirst Trap'?

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Bee Cubed

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix?’

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

brain wave

Definition of brain wave

Recent Examples of brain wave from the Web

First Known Use of brain wave

BRAIN WAVE Defined for English Language Learners

brain wave

Definition of brain wave for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

brain wave

medical Definition of brain wave

Learn More about brain wave

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix?’

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes