functional magnetic resonance imaging

noun

: magnetic resonance imaging used to detect physical changes (as of blood flow) in the brain resulting from increased neuronal activity

called also functional MRI

Examples of functional magnetic resonance imaging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the best ways to look deep in the brain is with an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) machine, which requires a person to remain still for an extended period of time — but just try to get a baby to cooperate with that! —Ari Daniel, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025

Data from independent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans was used to link their ISC findings to particular brain regions. —Paul McClure 16, New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2025

At the other end of the spectrum is functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, which measures blood flow as a proxy for activity in regions containing millions of cells. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2013

Throughout this task, their brain activity was measured using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for functional magnetic resonance imaging

• neuroimaging

Medical Definition

functional magnetic resonance imaging

noun

: magnetic resonance imaging used to demonstrate correlations between physical changes (as in blood flow) in the brain and mental functioning (as in performing cognitive tasks)

—abbreviation fMRI

called also functional MRI